Roberto Mancini has offered Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso advice on how to get the best out of Marco Palestra, insisting that the young Italian is more effective as an attacking right-back than as a winger.

According to a report by ESPN on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Mancini believes the 20-year-old has the potential to become an influential attacking defender but needs more time to regain his full fitness following his recent injury problems.

Palestra joined Chelsea for £47 million and impressed during pre-season before an injury disrupted the early stages of his career at Stamford Bridge.

Since returning to fitness, the youngster has been deployed in several positions as Alonso continues to manage injury problems within his squad.

He has featured at right-back, right wing-back and left-back, including during Chelsea’s recent victory over Manchester United.

However, there have been discussions about where he can make the greatest impact, particularly because of his attacking qualities. During his loan spell at Cagliari last season, Palestra played 31 of his 37 appearances as a right winger.

Mancini, who is currently involved with the Italian national team, was recently asked about the Chelsea youngster and shared his opinion on the position that best suits him.

The former Manchester City manager described Palestra as a natural attacking right-back rather than a winger. Although he acknowledged that the defender still has plenty of room for improvement because of his age, Mancini praised his quality and stressed the importance of giving him enough time to regain his fitness.

His assessment could help Alonso determine how best to utilise the Italian as Chelsea prepare for the remainder of the season.

The Blues have struggled to maintain consistency at right-back this campaign, with Reece James, Palestra, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong all receiving opportunities amid various injury concerns.

James’ return to full fitness could create further competition for places, although the England international has also been used in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, giving Alonso additional tactical flexibility.

Acheampong is another option who could operate as a right-sided defender in a back-three system, while Gusto has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter.

Although Palestra’s versatility has been useful during Chelsea’s injury difficulties, Mancini’s comments suggest that he could benefit from being given more opportunities in his preferred attacking right-back position.

His development could become an important factor for Chelsea as Alonso attempts to establish a settled starting line-up and improve the team’s performances during the second half of the campaign.