{"id":529,"date":"2026-08-06T11:59:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=529"},"modified":"2026-08-06T11:59:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:59:32","slug":"chelsea-legend-gianfranco-zola-could-be-about-to-give-a-massive-helping-hand-to-marco-palestra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=529","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola could be about to give a massive helping hand to Marco Palestra"},"content":{"rendered":"


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New Chelsea signing Marco Palestra has enjoyed a strong start to life at his new club, and now could be handed a further boost by Blues icon Gianfranco Zola.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Palestra was targeted specifically by Xabi Alonso<\/a> to come in and bring an attacking force to the full-back position at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

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His ability to play on both sides was initially mentioned as a strength, although Chelsea<\/a> are now set to bring Pep Chavarria in to address their left-hand-side.<\/p>\n

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Thoughts after another pre-season defeat under Xabi Alonso?\ud83e\udd14<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Gianfranco Zola to work with new Chelsea signing Marco Palestra with Italy<\/h2>\n

A move to Chelsea is surely going to bolster Palestra\u2019s<\/a> chances of representing his country, although the majority of his appearances up to now have been for the U21s.<\/p>\n

If he links up with that squad again, he will be under the leadership of Gianfranco Zola<\/a>, who is set to join Italy\u2019s new international project alongside Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini.<\/p>\n

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Zola is in charge of the youth setup, meaning he could be working directly with the new Chelsea man during international breaks for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

The Blues legend will be doing everything he can to help a nation who have not qualified for the World Cup since 2014.<\/p>\n

The new Chelsea signing could play a key role in their rebuild, and at 21 years of age has the potential to be a star for a prolonged period of time.<\/p>\n

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What do you make of Asmir Begovic\u2019s Chelsea XI?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Zola\u2019s predictions for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso<\/h2>\n

It has been all change at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea over the summer, most notably in the managerial department following the hiring of Alonso<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Zola is expecting big things for the Blues under the Spaniard<\/a>, leaning on the positive impact he had when in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n

Alonso is starting to get a look at the players he will have available to him, and has started Palestra in all three of Chelsea\u2019s televised friendlies.<\/p>\n

The Italian has shown off defensive and attacking potential<\/a>, and is in with a great shout of starting the first game of the season against Fulham.<\/p>\n

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