Marco Palestra Returns to Chelsea Training but Debut Uncertain

Marco Palestra is back on the grass at Cobham at last, but his long-awaited Chelsea debut – and his place with Italy – still hangs in the balance.

The 21-year-old wing-back, signed from Atalanta after a spell at Cagliari in a deal worth around €60m including add-ons, resumed full training with Chelsea today for the first time in several weeks. It marks the end of a frustrating start to life in London, after a knock in the final pre-season friendly stopped his momentum cold.

Palestra had lit up Chelsea’s summer programme, impressing with the energy and width that convinced the Premier League club to push so hard for him in the market. Then came that late injury in pre-season, and with it an abrupt halt: not a single competitive minute so far in a Chelsea shirt.

For now, expectations are being kept in check. Club indications are that, at best, Palestra might be eased in with a second-half cameo in this weekend’s Premier League fixture, if the medical staff clear him and the game situation allows it. Chelsea have not disclosed the exact nature of the problem, nor even which part of his leg was affected, keeping the details tightly guarded.

That uncertainty stretches beyond club level. Roberto Mancini must soon decide his Italy squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, and Palestra’s lack of game time leaves a clear question mark. He has yet to play a single competitive minute this season, hardly ideal preparation for international duty in a tournament that still carries weight for the Azzurri.

Palestra only stepped into the senior Italy set-up in March 2026, quickly earning two caps and hinting at a long future in the national shirt. Now, his immediate trajectory is less straightforward. Chelsea can finally start thinking about using their €60m signing. Italy, for the moment, may have to decide whether to wait.