Italy international Marco Palestra stunned Chelsea fans in the 3-0 win over Milan, playing as a left-back, a wing-back, and seemingly everywhere else too. 'Are we sure he's a defender?'
The 21-year-old has for much of his career been a right-sided wing-back, coming up through the Atalanta youth academy as a midfielder where the 3-4-3 approach was paramount.
During last season's loan at Cagliari, he played anywhere from right-back to right wing-back, to a more advanced role as part of a trident attack.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 08: Chelsea FC players pose for photos prior to the pre-season friendly between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images)
Today in Jakarta, Palestra was surprisingly fielded as a left-back in the starting XI of a 3-0 friendly victory over Milan, although it mutated to more of a 3-4-2-1 formation, giving the Italian freedom to attack.
#back
The 21-year-old has for much of his career been a right-sided wing-back, coming up through the Atalanta youth academy as a midfielder where the 3-4-3 approach was paramount.
During last season's loan at Cagliari, he played anywhere from right-back to right wing-back, to a more advanced role as part of a trident attack.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 08: Chelsea FC players pose for photos prior to the pre-season friendly between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Peksi Cahyo/Getty Images)
Today in Jakarta, Palestra was surprisingly fielded as a left-back in the starting XI of a 3-0 friendly victory over Milan, although it mutated to more of a 3-4-2-1 formation, giving the Italian freedom to attack.
#back
3 months ago
