Chelsea Opinion: Blues must keep Zappacosta as back-up right-back

According to a recent report by The Sun, Chelsea’s Italian international right-back Davide Zappacosta is being linked with a potential move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer with a number of Serie A sides said to be lining up for his signature.

It has been suggested that AS Roma are currently the frontrunners in the race to sign the Italian, especially considering that Torino coach Gianluca Petrachi is tipped to take over in Rome very soon.

The Chelsea man was signed by Petrachi for Torino four years ago and it was since then that he rose to prominence. Having already notched up 13 caps for the Italian National side since making a name for himself at Torino, it was under Petrachi that Zappacosta really flourished.

He produced consistent stellar displays which is what promoted the Blues to make a move for him in the first place.

Since making the switch though, the Italian has struggled for playing time with Cesar Azpilicueta – the Chelsea skipper, in front of him in the right-back pecking order.

The Spaniard has been a defensive rock at the back for the Blues for quite a while and displacing him in this side would a tough task for anyone. Although he was given time in the European and cup competitions along the way, the further into a tournament they went, the lesser were his chances of featuring.

The Italian is still only 26 and considering that he could be entering his prime in the coming years, developing and nurturing his skills in the right way can be crucial if he is to continue at the highest level.

Although training does go a long way, there’s no replacement for first-team playing time and at Stamford Bridge, he hasn’t got anywhere near as much as he should have.

He is a pacy customer who has the beating of any full-back on his day. Able to dribble past charging players with ease, the Italian showcases good composure on the ball and is also capable of delivering a mean cross.

His bombarding runs down the flank often produce goalscoring opportunities and he has a knack for making sharp, well-timed runs into the box.

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He’s played just 4 times in the league all season with his lone start coming in their final game of the season against Leicester City – a game with no real prominence as their Champions League qualification was already sealed.

In Europe though, he played a fairly important part and the Chelsea fans now know what he can bring to the side. The Blues are looking at a possible transfer ban looming over their heads as well and in a situation like this, you want to get as much help as you can.