Marco Palestra on 'wonderful' Chelsea move: 'I can’t wait to start'
New Chelsea signing Marco Palestra opens up about his transfer from Atalanta, snubbing Inter, and his excitement for the intensity of the Premier League.
Italian defender Marco Palestra has officially joined Chelsea this summer, emerging as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe. Following a standout campaign at Atalanta, the 21-year-old was at the center of a high-stakes bidding war between the London club and Italian giants Inter Milan. Chelsea ultimately secured the deal by outbidding the Nerazzurri by €10 million, including performance-related add-ons.
Palestra has already begun integrating into the squad, featuring in Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures, including a 65-minute appearance against Juventus in Hong Kong. Despite a 1-0 defeat in that friendly, the defender emphasized that the match served as a vital learning experience as he builds chemistry with his new defensive partners.
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. Marco Palestra
Reflecting on his first few weeks in London, the young Italian praised the high intensity and physicality of the English top flight. He also credited the club's staff and his new teammates for the seamless transition, noting that the organization at Stamford Bridge has been perfect since his arrival.
The move represents a significant career step for the Atalanta youth product. With the pre-season tour concluding, the defender is now set to return to England to finalize his preparations for what he hopes will be a career-defining season in the Premier League.