Palestra tipped to make first Chelsea start but faces Premier League concern

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Marco Palestra of Chelsea reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Italy international Marco Palestra could finally earn his first competitive start for Chelsea on Wednesday evening, but there are growing concerns among supporters on social media that the 21-year-old, who impressed with Cagliari and the Azzurri last season, does not yet look ready for Premier League football. 

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Palestra was one of the breakthrough Serie A stars of the 2025-26 season while on loan with Cagliari, earning his first caps for the Italy national team in the process and catching the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. 

Despite being heavily linked with a move to Inter over the summer, Palestra was eventually sold to Chelsea for a €60m package. 

The Italy talent went on to impress during his pre-season outings under Xabi Alonso, and had been expected to start for Chelsea heading into their Premier League opener against West London rivals Fulham back in August. 

Unfortunately, Palestra picked up an injury during training in the week leading up to the opening Premier League weekend, which ruled him out of action until the September-October international break. 

He has since made three substitute appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League, totalling 44 minutes across three outings, but is still waiting for his first competitive start for the Blues. 

According to pre-match reports from the Evening Standard, Palestra is likely to start at wing-back when Chelsea take on Liverpool in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday evening. 

Whilst this is an opportunity for Palestra to impress, some supporters on social media have already grown concerned by the Italian’s prospects in the Premier League. 

Though it was only a 25-minute run-out, Palestra has faced criticism for his performance off the bench against Tottenham in the Premier League over the weekend, with some fans on social media suggesting that he looked off the pace after his injury and that he lacked the physical strength required to excel in the English top flight. 

And, with Pedro Neto currently the go-to starter at right wing-back for Chelsea in their Premier League matches so far this season, Palestra faces an uphill battle to earn a spot in Alonso’s first-choice XI.