Lazio interested in Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta | OneFootball

Italian defender Davide Zappacosta may be on his way to Rome in the January transfer window.

Lazio see Chelsea right-back Zappacosta as second-choice behind only Matteo Darmian.

Manchester United’s 29-year-old defender left Italian side Torino for the Red Devils in 2015. Zappacosta signed for the Blues in August 2017 from Torino for a fee near €25m.

Zappacosta’s playing time has shrunk dramatically compared to his first season at Chelsea and could be convinced to leave the west London club.

Under Italian manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea employed three centre backs with enterprising wing-backs. In the 2017-18 campaign, Zappacosta made 23 starts and 35 total appearances across all competitions.

Despite having another compatriot leading the technical area, Zappacosta doesn’t have a single start in the Premier League this season. Maurizio Sarri has shifted to a back four, preferring the specific skill sets of other full back options at his disposal.

If transfer matters are held in limbo at Old Trafford until a permanent manager is appointed in the summer, Lazio will be more likely to pursue Zappacosta over Darmian.