Chelsea Magic-
Stamford Bridge had a couple of new faces arriving just before the end of the transfer window and one of them was Italy’s Davide Zappacosta. And things are already looking good for the £23m wing backs after he received an emergency national duty call. Italy had their long record of being undefeated in a World Cup Qualifying Group Stage come to an end on Friday night as Spain dealt a huge blow to the Azzurri. A 3-0 loss at the hands of the former World and Euro champions at the Santiago Bernabeu called for a change in the players.
Davide Zappacosta will now be utilized as a wing-back in the next qualifying game for Italy, who slipped up their chance to top Group F after the embarrassing hammering to Spain.
Italy was completed outplayed by their counterparts and looked shaky at the back. And further reinforcements were demanded by Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura, one in the name of Zappacosta.
Zappacosta announced himself to the world when he was snapped up by English Premier League champions Chelsea on transfer deadline day from Italian club Torino. The 25-year-old just arrived in London and got the call that he was required by his national boss.
Ironically, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was the man who gave Zappacosta his first national cap when he was in charge of the Italy national team. While at the Euro’s in 2016 Zappacosta was named in the standby squad by Conte.
AC Milan defender Leonardo Bonnucci picked up a second yellow card during the game against Spain and will be suspended for the next match against Israel.
However, Zappacosta will not be playing in the centre-back position, but wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola is also out injured for the clash, and that is where Zappacosta is likely to feature.
Italy sits second in their group, three points off leaders Spain. However, Chelsea fans will be hoping their new signing does not pick up an injury during these qualifiers.
Biggest Rivals This Season?
It seems that former boss Jose Mourinho’s side could be the west London outfit’s biggest rivals of the season, after the start that they have made in the league, with three wins out of three and 10 goals to their name. The Red Devils have not yet conceded a single goal and are performing really well. They will also be part of the Champions League and could face Chelsea along the way, at some point of time.
Conte will know that he must be ready for the big challenge and has the star power now to get things done. The Italian manager has managed to fortify his entire team as a whole and has filled in gaps that required additional signings.
He has also retained all his key players and will want to try and retain the crown of the champions of England. Hopefully, he can do that in the days to come and you can like our page for more updates and to take part in our monthly contest as well.
