Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
If one player has really caught the eye during pre-season, many would argue it is Xabi Alonso’s first signing as Chelsea manager: Marco Palestra.
Palestra has seriously impressed during the off-season, with Malo Gusto and Reece James yet to return to pre-season training due to their World Cup exploits. On Wednesday, he started for Chelsea against Juve.
There were some impressive performances despite the 1-0 defeat, with Edon Zhegrova scoring the only goal of the game. Nicolas Jackson, Estevao, Moises Caicedo and others impressed, as did Palestra.
Arguably, Palestra was Chelsea’s best player on the day. The Italy international flew up and down the right flank, and it seems like the 2025-26 Serie A Defender of the Year has immediately settled in at Chelsea.
Marco Palestra heaps praise on Xabi Alonso and coaching staff
With Chelsea boasting such a young squad, despite the signings of Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and other more senior players, Alonso and his coaching staff must produce the right environment.
Speaking to Sky Italy following the 1-0 loss to Juventus, Palestra was full of praise for Alonso and his coaching staff for helping him settle both in England, and within the squad at Chelsea after his arrival.
Chelsea v Juventus - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
“This is a wonderful world because there’s so much intensity, so much physicality. I feel good, I have to thank my teammates, the staff, and the coach; they’ve helped me on and off the pitch with everything.
“The organisation is perfect. I can’t wait to start playing in the Premier League; I know all the games there are great to play, I can’t wait to get started,” Palestra told Italian media, when asked about Alonso.
Who will be Chelsea’s first-choice right-back next season?
As things stand, Chelsea have three outstanding right-backs. The club captain is James, a £75m-rated defender in Gusto, and Alonso’s first signing in Palestra. All three are good enough to start for Chelsea.
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Marco Palestra
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
James has the versatility to be used on the right of a back three, or in the middle of the park. Palestra can be used on the left, and his weak-foot ability is certainly something that has caught the eye among fans.
Gusto might leave before the end of the summer window. But Palestra will be proud of his efforts in convincing Alonso that he can be the first choice at Chelsea ahead of the Blues’ opener against Fulham.