Barcelona scout attends Cagliari vs Napoli to watch 21-year-old Italian full-back – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are currently in a crucial stretch of the 2025-26 season, as they are competing for two of the biggest trophies, i.e., La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, the Catalans are also planning to strengthen their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

In this regard, the two positions that the Blaugranes are most keen to reinforce are the center-back and the center-forward. However, they would also ideally look to reinforce other positions like the flanks and the wings.

In that context, the club has recently turned its attention to promising Italian youngster Marco Palestra. According to Mundo Deportivo, a Barcelona scout was present at the Unipol Domus Stadium a couple of weeks ago to watch the 21-year-old in action during Cagliari’s clash against Napoli.

Currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta BC, Palestra is a right-footed and highly dynamic player who stands at 1.87 metres tall. Naturally a right back, he is also capable of playing further forward as a midfielder or winger, which adds to his appeal.

So far this season, the 21-year-old has registered one goal and four assists in 29 appearances. The Italian youngster has already earned senior caps for his national team and is attracting interest from several top clubs.

Inter Milan are believed to be among the sides closely following his progress, while he has also been linked with Liverpool FC in the past.

In the match that was scouted, Palestra started and operated in more advanced areas along the right flank, showcasing his attacking qualities despite being a natural defender. Although Napoli came out on top, his performance once again underlined his versatility and potential.

For now, it remains to be seen whether Marco Palestra was able to impress the Barcelona scout in this recent game, and whether the Blaugranes would make an advance to get him in their team going forward.