Twelve months ago, things were very different for Palestra. He had established himself in the Atalanta senior squad, making 15 appearances during the 2024/25 season, but regular minutes were harder to come by. So, he embarked on a loan move that, in his own words, 'changed his life'.

With Cagliari, Palestra was a near-ever-present. He played week in, week out in Serie A and cemented himself as one of the division's most effective players, showcasing his talents as an attack-minded wing-back capable of playing on either flank.

Caps for Italy followed, and he was named Serie A Defender of the Year at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Now, he is a Chelsea player, and will recognise an ambition he formed as a young player growing up on the outskirts of Milan.

‘If I look back 10 or 15 years, I couldn’t even imagine achieving this dream,’ Marco says as, wearing a Chelsea shirt for the first time, he looks around our Cobham training base.

‘As a child, I’ve always had the goal to be a professional footballer. I made a lot of sacrifices, especially when I was younger, but being here today repays all that. Reaching the best league in the world is a dream that came true.

‘I had no idea of what I could become, that I could play for a Premier League team in the future. You dream and hope about it, but you can only believe in it once it happens.

'I had the dream to reach this level. Now I’m ready.’

Palestra celebrated his 21st birthday in March, but don't be fooled by his tender age. He boasts Champions League and Europa League experience, and has been shaped, physically and mentally, by the demands of performing in Serie A.

And by moving to Cagliari on loan last summer, he swapped the familiar surroundings of home for life on the Italian island of Sardinia, where a certain Gianfranco Zola was born and raised.

'I believe my experiences, particularly at Cagliari last season, will massively help me to settle at Chelsea,' he says.

'I played every match, gaining experience and confidence in my qualities in a tough league, such as the Serie A. Also, having my first matches with the Italian national team has given me international experience, facing international players.’

Palestra was joined on his first day at Cobham by his family, a guiding and nurturing force that he credits as shaping him into the player and person he is today.

‘They have been very important,’ he smiles. ‘They have helped since the first day I started football. For me, they are really important, and they are really happy I’m here at Chelsea. Their love is so important to me.’

By signing for Chelsea, Palestra has joined a new family, and he is looking forward to becoming better acquainted with our supporters once the new season begins and he walks out Stamford Bridge for the first time.

‘For me, this club is very important, and I’m very happy,’ he said. ‘I want to know all the fans – and promise I will give all for this badge.’