Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Davide Zappacosta from Serie A side Torino.
The Premier League champions had been frustrated in their efforts to sign a new wing-back having missed out on Danilo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively.
Chelsea’s interest in the 25-year-old became aware on deadline day and the Blues acted accordingly to secure his services before the 11pm deadline.
“We have today completed the signing of Davide Zappacosta from Torino,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
“The 25-year-old can play at wing-back or full-back and has been capped by Italy. He has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
“Zappacosta possesses a combination of defensive and attacking qualities and is a fine crosser of the ball from a wide-right position. His energy and stamina enable him to get forward for 90 minutes and recover quickly when defending. He is quick and composed in one-on-one situations and times his tackles well.
“Zappacosta began his career at Italian fourth-tier side Isola Liri. After signing for Atalanta in Serie A, he then enjoyed regular first team football with Avellino, who purchased co-ownership rights to the player.
“He returned to Atalanta and became a first team regular there in 2014/15, with his performances earning him a move to Torino, one of the historically most successful clubs in Italy.
“An impressive season in Turin led Conte to call up Zappacosta to the Italy national squad ahead of Euro 2016, and he was named on their back-up list for the tournament. He subsequently made his maiden international appearance last season and has now been capped four times by the Azzurri.
“Welcome to Chelsea, Davide!”
Davide Zappacosta: Only A. Sandro (48) has made more accurate crosses from open play of Serie A defenders than Zappacosta (47) since Jan '16 pic.twitter.com/FQV632hIiz
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 31, 2017
On the move to Chelsea, Zappacosta said: “It is a dream for me to join Chelsea and play in the Premier League. I am very excited to be here and start working with the team. I hope I can show my quality to the coach, my team-mates and the supporters.
Technical director Michael Emenalo added: “Davide is a player of international calibre who Antonio Conte knows well and we have been aware of for some time. We are very pleased to be able to bring him to the club and believe he will become an important member of the squad.”
