New Chelsea signing buzzing about 'wonderful world' of Premier League

Marco Palestra is loving life since moving to England (Picture: REUTERS)

New Chelsea signing Marco Palestra cannot wait to get started in the Premier League, relishing the physicality of English football.

The 21-year-old has arrived at Stamford Bridge from Atalanta this summer, having spent last season on loan at Cagliari.

The right-back impressed so much on that loan spell that he picked up his first two Italy caps this year and got a move to west London worth an initial £43 million.

Palestra has been in action in pre-season, playing in friendlies against Tottenham and on Wednesday against Juventus.

It is the Premier League he is itching to have a crack at, though, with Chelsea taking on Fulham on August 24.

‘It’s a wonderful world, because the intensity and physicality are so high,’ Palestra told Sky Sport Italia after Wednesday’s loss to Juventus.

‘I’m happy, I can’t wait to start playing the Premier League, as it’s so exciting. I know every game there is exciting, whether it’s against a big club or not.

Palestra has caught the eye in Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies (Picture: AP Photo/)

‘I can’t wait to get started, it’s wonderful.’

The Italian has made an early impression on his new manager, Xabi Alonso, with the Spaniard praising his impact after the Juventus clash.

The new Blues boss also hailed fellow new signing Geovany Quenda who is working back to full fitness after an injury.

Xabi Alonso has had high praise for Marco Palestra (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Happy with Geovany. After he missed the last week in Australia, he wasn’t there but he came a couple of days ago and to play 45 minutes after the little injury, he’s been very good,’ said Alonso. ‘Happy that he could have this playing minutes.

‘And Marco for sure is having a great impact. You see his power. He repeats up and down, big stamina, quality as well on the last third. So we are impressed with him.

‘Happy that we have Marco in the squad and that he gives solution. He’s a flexible player so it’s going to be very interesting to work with him.’

Alonso’s Chelsea next face AC Milan on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

Alonso has also been very impressed by Chelsea academy talent Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, so much so that he started the 16-year-old midfielder against Juventus on Wednesday.

‘It’s incredible – I don’t even remember when I was 16 who I was playing against,’ said Alonso. ‘But he was playing against [Manuel] Locatelli, against Douglas Luiz, these experienced players. For sure it’s something that he will remember in the future.