Palestra arrived at Stamford Bridge from Atalanta earlier this summer following a breakout 2025/26 campaign on loan at Cagliari. The 21-year-old was named Serie A Defender of the Year and earned his first caps for Italy.

Palestra has carried his momentum from last term into our pre-season campaign. His buccaneering runs forward have caught the eye, and he showcased his versatility in our latest fixture against Milan in Jakarta.

Having previously been deployed down the right flank, Palestra was utilised on the left by Alonso against the Rossoneri and was a constant threat while also helping the Blues keep a clean sheet.

‘He is having a great impact,’ said Alonso after our 3-0 victory at GBK Stadium, secured through a brace from Joao Pedro and a stunning volley from Moises Caicedo.

‘He has a hunger and desire to improve and give his best, and in every game he is getting better and better.

‘He played in a different position today, but I knew from his time in Italy he is very flexible and versatile in his game. We are happy he is having such a good adaptation [to life at Chelsea].’

The game against Milan was the fourth of our summer tour - and brought an end to our brief stay in Jakarta.

Alonso and his players have witnessed firsthand the passion of Chelsea fans in the Indonesian capital, and the Blues manager thanked the supporters for their efforts before, during and after tonight’s game.

He said: ‘It has been fantastic. The support, cheering us after the game, and even before the kick-off. Our end, the blue end, was really loud.

'Milan was loud too, so it was a great atmosphere in Jakarta and we want to say thank you because it was a proper atmosphere of football. I’m happy our supporters could enjoy the game.’