Struggling for game time at Chelsea ever since Roman Abramovich gave up on Italian managers, Davide Zappacosta’s future has always seemed far away from Stamford Bridge.
A loan to AS Roma seemed like the best place during the 2019-20 season, but an early serious injury to his knee cut that season short.
A return to Chelsea was arranged, but it was quickly clear Frank Lampard still had no space for him, so Genoa came knocking and another temporary deal was organised.
The now 28-year-old has finally been able to put some minutes under his belt this season, with hope, perhaps, of a space in Roberto Mancini’s squad this summer if all goes well.
Speaking to Il Secolo XIX, the right wing-back explained what went on behind the scenes at Chelsea this summer and why he chose Genoa of all clubs.
He said, relayed by Il Napolista: “I played very little during my last year at Chelsea and ruptured my cruciate at Roma. I wanted to get back into the game and Genoa was the ideal team: an important club, with the desire to build an ambitious team and many companions animated by a desire for redemption.
“That’s why I didn’t hesitate and immediately said yes: I straight away found myself in the mentality of a hungry group and club, driven by the desire for revenge”.
Loaned until the end of the season, Zappacosta is expected to, once again, return to Chelsea, but with a contract expiring un 2022, a sale is likely around the corner.
