Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Italian international Marco Palestra from Atalanta, with the 21-year-old defender signing a contract until 2033.
Palestra will join his new team-mates for pre-season under Xabi Alonso after completing his move from Serie A, adding another versatile defensive option to Chelsea’s squad before the new Premier League campaign.
Chelsea confirmed Palestra’s arrival and described him as an Italy international who impressed across the 2025/26 season. The defender spent last term on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 league appearances and built a strong reputation as a full-back and wing-back on both flanks.
The club also noted that Palestra was named Serie A Defender of the Year last season before earning his first senior Italy caps earlier this year.
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Palestra said several factors convinced him to make the move, including Chelsea’s standing, the squad’s talent and Alonso’s role in the project.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra said.
“I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.
“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.”
For Alonso, the signing adds a defender with flexibility at a useful point in the summer. Palestra’s ability to play as a full-back or wing-back on either side should give Chelsea more cover and tactical variety during pre-season.
Read Chelsea has already looked at how Alonso’s first Cobham group will get an early chance to impress before the World Cup players return, and Palestra now arrives as one of the first major additions of the new era.
His contract length also shows Chelsea are not viewing this as a short-term depth move. Palestra has been signed as a long-term defensive asset, but the immediate focus will be earning trust quickly under Alonso.
Chelsea have needed more reliability and balance in wide defensive areas. Palestra’s Serie A rise now gives Alonso another option to test before the Premier League season begins.
