Chelsea new boy Zappacosta was in for yet another pleasant surprise this week as he was called up for national team Italy.
He has met up with Italian team-mates in Florence after he was called up as a late inclusion following their recent humiliation at the hands of Spain.
Zappacosta could feature for Italy against Israel on Tuesday at the Mapei Stadium in Italy. A win could see them inch a step closer towards qualification.
The 25-year-old made himself aware to football fans this week when he sealed a deadline day move from Torino to Premier League champions Chelsea.
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The former Torino defender, who is renowned for his attacking play and pinpoint crosses, he was snapped up by the Blues on a frantic deadline day.
And now the Azzurri, managed by Gian Piero Ventura, who ironically replaced Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, have called upon the services of the defensive wide-man, as they bid to get their World Cup qualification campaign back on track.
But Zappacosta’s late call up may not be as surprising as you think, having worked under Ventura during the Azzurri boss’ five-year spell at the helm of Torino.
Zappacosta’s call up has been due to a crisis for Italy at the back. Leonardo Bonucci picked up a yellow card in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Spain which means he is suspended for Tuesday’s match in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. Meanwhile, Leonardo Spinazzola suffered an injury in the loss to Spain and Giorgio Chiellini was already absent from the squad.
It could see Zappacosta thrust into the spotlight against Israel and given a chance to add to the four caps he’s collected so far – two of which came in qualification matches for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Italy are on 16 points and 2nd placed in the group behind Spain after being thrashed by Spain 3-0 and with 3 games to go.
Spain are currently sitting pretty at the top with 19 points in an intriguing group G.
Zappacosta’s new team mate Alvaro Morata was also amongst the goals, scoring within minutes of coming off the bench to add more shine to an already comfortable scoreline.
Real Madrid maestro Isco was the man who made the difference at his familiar Bernabeu setting, scoring twice and putting in a mercurial performance.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will hope that Zappacosta returns without any injury and is available for selection as he prepares for an away fixture against Leicester City when the Premier League returns to action.
