Palestra: ‘Chelsea exciting and I can’t wait to get started’ | OneFootball

Italy international Marco Palestra said he ‘can’t wait to get started’ in the Premier League and thanks his Chelsea teammates after his friendly appearance against Juventus.

The product of the Atalanta youth academy was at the centre of a bidding war this summer, as Inter thought they had done enough with a total package worth just under €50m.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 01: Marco Palestra of Chelsea looks on during the Sydney Super Cup match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham at Accor Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

However, Chelsea came in with €10m more including add-ons, and convinced the versatile full-back that he should make London his home.

Now Palestra is experiencing his first training sessions and matches with the Blues, including today’s 1-0 defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong.

Palestra excited by Chelsea opportunity

HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 5: Chelsea squad poses for photos prior to the Chelsea v Juventus – Pre-Season Friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

“It’s a wonderful world, because the intensity and physicality are so high,” Palestra told Sky Sport Italia of his first impact with Premier League training.

“I have to thank my teammates, the staff and coach, as they’ve been helping me from the first day with everything both on the field and off it. The organisation has been perfect.”

The 21-year-old is primarily a right wing-back, but can also be used as a full-back on the right or left side of defence.

He flourished during last season’s loan experience at Cagliari, then returned to Atalanta for the sale to Chelsea.

“I’m happy, I can’t wait to start playing the Premier League, as it’s so exciting. I know every game there is exciting, whether it’s against a big club or not.

“I can’t wait to get started, it’s wonderful.”

Juventus beat Chelsea 1-0 today thanks to a sensational curler from Edon Zhegrova into the far top corner, set up by Kenan Yildiz.