Palestra: ‘Italy defeat against Bosnia still hurts, but we have to turn the page’

Italy and Chelsea full-back Marco Palestra stated that Italy's World Cup play-off final loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina still hurts, but insisted the team must turn the page. The 21-year-old was recalled to the Azzurri squad by reinstated manager Roberto Mancini ahead of upcoming Nations League matches against France and Belgium.

Palestra transferred to Chelsea from Atalanta for €60m over the summer and has recently returned to regular action under manager Xabi Alonso following a muscular injury. Despite making only two Premier League starts so far, the defender expressed satisfaction with his fitness, praised the competitiveness of the league, and shared optimism about working with Mancini.