Davide Zappacosta is back in Bergamo six years after his original departure. Atalanta overtook Fiorentina at the last corner and signed him on a permanent deal from Chelsea. He will make up for the absence of Hans Hateboer, who is again dealing with a foot injury.
The right-back is a product of the Orobici youth system. However, he played just a season for them back in the day, in 2014-2015, before being sold to Torino. The Blues poached him after two strong campaigns with the Granata, but he fell out of favor in his second year in London.
Zappacosta tried to rehabilitate his name through loan spells in the Peninsula. He was unsuccessful in his first try at Roma due to an ACL tear. Instead, he managed in the most recent season at Genoa. He tallied 4 goals and 2 assists in 25 appearances.
The 29-year-old fullback will temporarily replace Hateboer. The Dutchman will sit out two-to-three months after undergoing surgery to repair a metatarsal surgery in his left foot. The injury cost him extended time also in the past campaign. He is unlikely to return to the pitch before January. Atalanta also have Euro standout Joakim Maehle in the role.
The Goddess pipped Fiorentina at the post in the race to sign Zappacosta. According to Alfredo Pedullà, the Viola had already booked the medicals right after sending Pol Lirola back to Olympique Marseille. However, they were proposing a loan deal with option to buy. Atalanta convinced Chelsea with a €9M offer on the nail.