According to a recent report by Sky Italia (translated by the Metro), Chelsea right-back Davide Zappacosta is set to complete a season-long loan move to AS Roma. The same source has also claimed that the Italian defensive ace will undergo his medical at the Italian capital later this week before sealing a move to the Stadio Olimpico.
Zappacosta’s Lacklustre Yet Fruitful Spell At West London
The 27-year-old has failed to live up to the high expectations surrounding his arrival at Stamford Bridge from Torino in the summer of 2017. To his credit, the Italian full-back has still managed to make the most out of his two-year spell at West London so far. The Sora-born talent has won the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League with the Pensioners over the past couple of seasons.
However, the lack of game time has left him frustrated after he failed to topple Cesar Azpilicueta in the race to secure a regular starting berth under Frank Lampard’s tutelage this season. Zappacosta has made a total of 52 appearances for Chelsea so far, scoring two goals while creating four assists across multiple competitions.
The Italian right-back was in stellar form for the Pensioners in the Europa League last season where he averaged 1.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game on the defensive end (stats via whoscored). He has also earned 13 international caps for Italy but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation.
What Are The Italian Full-back’s Best Attributes?
Zappacosta is moderately paced but can still make some well-timed runs down the right flank. He can score a few goals from long-range and can link up play well with others in the opposition half. The Chelsea outcast possesses the ability to whip in some inviting crosses into the opposition penalty box but needs to be productive in the final third.
It is clearly evident from Lampard’s starting lineups this season that he is willing to give his young players a chance if they are good enough for a place in his first-team. The likes of Reece James and Fikayo Tomori can both play in the right-back position. Therefore, the Pensioners are well equipped in that position with Azpilicueta leading the charge at the Bridge every week.
Zappacosta Set To Complete Loan Move To The Serie A: Good Move For All Parties?
Thus, Zappacosta’s loan deal makes sense for all parties as he is going to enjoy earning regular playing time at AS Roma. Chelsea can also benefit by getting the Italian defender off their wage bill, which will save some money for the future.
