Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Inter Milan have made up for missing out on Chelsea’s Marco Palestra with the signing of Djed Spence, and Italian media are arguing he is now the better signing.
The Serie A giants were deemed the favourites to sign Palestra before a Xabi Alonso hijack saw him head to Stamford Bridge instead.
Palestra has looked very impressive during the pre-season campaign, and looks a certainty to start on the opening day of the season against Fulham.
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Italian media rate Djed Spence as better than Marco Palestra
Inter raided Tottenham for Djed Spence after missing out on the Italian, with their national media very impressed with that particular addition.
In fact, Marco Berzaghi believes that Spence is currently a better player than the Chelsea man, despite signing for a cheaper fee.
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly
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He said: “I’d say that Spence, compared to Palestra, who perhaps has more attacking characteristics and, in the future, could become a real star. But right now, can anyone seriously say that Palestra is better than Spence? I don’t think so.
“We’re talking about the English MVP of the World Cup semi-final, compared with a talent like Palestra who still has everything to prove.
“He’s (Spence) a player who, as we were reading yesterday, isn’t arriving in the final years of his career, but right in his prime. And he has the added advantage of having already experienced Italian football, even if it was during a difficult spell, with Genoa.”
Chelsea's pre-season results
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Palestra loving life under Alonso
Alonso’s three-at-the-back formation looks perfect for an attacking wing-back, and this is a role Palestra looks set to thrive in.
The manager has seemed to play a key role in improving the quality of life at the club, with Palestra stating how much he is enjoying playing under the Spaniard.
His versatility has made him an option to play on both sides of the defence, with him impressing on the left and the right during pre-season.
While Inter may say they are happier with Spence, Chelsea are more than happy with their own addition, and excited about what he can bring to the club.