Xabi Alonso hails 'something different' Marco Palestra as Chelsea prepare for Premier League opener against Fulham

Chelsea secured the signing of Palestra from Atalanta this summer after the defender earned Serie A's Defender of the Year award during an impressive loan stint with Cagliari. The Italian caught the eye with his seamless ability to operate on either flank as both a full-back and a wing-back. Alonso believes this rare, ambidextrous flexibility will prove a crucial asset for the Blues across the 2026-27 campaign.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Premier League opener away at Fulham on Monday night, Alonso underlined how the newcomer's Italian tactical upbringing set him apart.

Highlighting Palestra's multifaceted skill set, Alonso said: "I would say it's probably unusual in England because, in Italy for example, it's quite common, and he has had this education in Italian football to play both profiles. It doesn't matter if you are right-footed or left-footed, just that you are versatile. So he has this option, this energy. He's something different, maybe not that common here, but in Italy it's quite common."

Regarding the defender's early integration at Cobham, the Spanish manager added: "He's had a great impact as well in the changing room. He's integrated really well. He's a great guy and with this freshness that he has brought, apart from his football qualities, he's a very great addition to the club."

The West London derby marks the Premier League managerial debut for both Alonso and Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa. In a historic first for the competition, two managers are facing off in their respective Premier League debuts, having previously shared a pitch as team-mates (playing 46 league matches together at Liverpool between 2007 and 2009). Alonso will also become the 27th manager to take charge of a Premier League fixture for Chelsea, taking the Blues past Tottenham Hotspur for the highest tally in the competition.

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage determined to halt a three-season winless run on the opening weekend of the Premier League. For the hosts, Fulham are seeking to avoid a fourth successive defeat when kicking off a league campaign with a London derby. Securing all three points will be vital for Alonso to establish immediate stability before navigating an intense domestic schedule.