Marco Palestra made his and in only a few minutes confirmed why he’s being critically thought of to begin in opposition to Bosnia.
There had been solutions earlier than the sport with Northern Eire that Palestra may very well be chosen on the suitable flank, however Matteo Politano of Napoli shrugged off a knock and was in a position to play as an alternative.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Matteo Politano of Italy is challenged by Brodie Spencer of Northern Eire through the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Eire at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
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The Cagliari starlet, who’s on mortgage from Atalanta,
As that is Italian soccer and never Spain, England, Germany or France, which means he’s nonetheless thought of too younger to depend on for the nationwide crew or a giant membership.
Italy wants contemporary Palestra affect
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in motion through the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 16, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Picture by Enrico Locci/Getty Photos)
Palestra got here via the legendary Atalanta youth academy, which he joined in 2015 first as a midfielder, then a full-back or wing-back, and was loaned to Cagliari in an effort to lastly give him some common Serie A taking part in time.
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La Dea repeatedly refused to incorporate a purchase order possibility within the deal, as they know full effectively the expertise they’ve acquired on their fingers and don’t wish to danger shedding him.
He contributed one objective and 4 assists in 29 Serie A appearances this season, however the statistics don’t inform the complete story of the impression he has had in Sardinia.
Palestra is fearless, able to take opponents on and use his blistering tempo to get away down the suitable flank.
As he’s arguably extra of a right-back than a winger, it means he also can present extra defensive cowl than Politano, who has been remodeled by Antonio Conte from a part of a trident assault to a large man in a five-man midfield.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in motion through the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Picture by Enrico Locci/Getty Photos)
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When he got here off the bench in opposition to Northern Eire for seven minutes, Palestra confirmed one second of extraordinary ability by taking down a protracted cross and stopping it lifeless, solely failing to arrange a objective as a result of Francesco Pio Esposito’s first contact was too heavy.
This implies he is perhaps inexperienced, however he’s not afraid to strive one thing spectacular below strain.
If Italy are to shock Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday within the World Cup play-off remaining, then the tempo and sophistication of Palestra may do actual harm to some drained previous legs.
He will get opponents booked repeatedly in Serie A and causes enormous issues for the opponents overlaying all the proper flank, taking males on with out concern.
The Nazionale appeared so painfully predictable final night time, this teen can shake issues up.