Overview
- Chelsea signed Marco Palestra from Atalanta in the summer for about £45 million as Xabi Alonso’s first signing.
- An early-season injury delayed his integration but he made his first competitive start in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, helping the club record its first home league clean sheet in a win since January.
- Some supporters criticised Palestra’s defensive positioning in that match, prompting discussion about his readiness for the Premier League.
- Palestra told Chelsea’s official channels he is happy at the club and candidly said he 'needs to improve,' and he credited youth coach Marco Fioretto for switching him from midfield to an outside role at age 16.
- Palestra is likely to contest a starting spot in the next fixture at Sunderland and his performances there will influence whether he secures regular minutes under Alonso.