New Chelsea signing Marco Palestra has revealed that he had an "exciting" conversation with manager Xabi Alonso before completing his move to the Blues from Serie A side Atalanta.
The 21-year-old defender has signed a contract until 2033 and will link up with his new team-mates for pre-season under Alonso.
"I'm very excited to get started. I've felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can't wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager," Palestra told Chelsea's official website on Wednesday.
"We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and a great manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can't wait to compete in the Premier League."
Palestra made his senior debut for Italy earlier this year and has since earned a second cap for the Azzurri, further underlining his rapid rise at both club and international level.
