Marco Palestra Eyes Chelsea Debut Amid Italy Doubts

Marco Palestra is finally back on the grass at Cobham. Chelsea’s €60m summer signing resumed full training today and could get his first competitive minutes in blue this weekend, a small but significant step after a frustrating start to life in London.

The former Atalanta and Cagliari wing-back lit up pre-season with a string of sharp, energetic displays that quickly justified his hefty fee, add-ons included. He looked ready to hit the Premier League running.

Then came the setback. A knock in Chelsea’s final friendly sidelined the 21-year-old before the real action even began. Since then, he has not played a single competitive minute for the club.

Details of the problem have been kept tightly under wraps. Chelsea have not clarified the extent of the injury, nor even which part of his leg was affected. What is clear is that the lay-off has dragged on longer than anyone at the club – or in the Italy camp – would have liked.

Now, at last, there is movement. Palestra returned to training today for the first time in several weeks and is being eased back into the group. Expectations are being kept in check: at best, he is likely to be limited to a second-half cameo in this weekend’s Premier League fixture.

Impact on Italy Squad

That cautious approach could have a knock-on effect for his country. Roberto Mancini is preparing his Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League games, and Palestra’s place is far from guaranteed. He has not played a single minute of competitive football this season, a stark reality for a player still trying to establish himself on the international stage.

Palestra only made his senior Italy debut in March 2026 and has two caps to his name. Those appearances hinted at a long-term role in the Azzurri setup, his blend of pace and intelligence on the flank offering something different.

Now the equation is simple. Minutes for Chelsea first, then a decision for Mancini.

Does a Nations League campaign have room for a talent still waiting to kick a ball this season?