Chelsea right-back Davide Zappacosta has arrived in Italy ahead of his loan move to Roma. The 27-year-old has undergone a medical before finalising his switch to the Serie A side:

Speaking ahead of the loan deal, the fullback admitted that he has been missing his homeland, and is keen to get back playing following a two-year spell at Stamford Bridge:

“I’m very excited, I’ve missed Italy so much and I’m happy about coming back, even more to Rome, which is near my home. I know the club and the fans, and I know how much passion they put in. The team are very young and I think we can do well.”

Zappacosta will spend the season with Roma with his career at Chelsea all but over. The Blues are banking on Reece James to be Cesar Azpilicueta’s main rival for the right-back slot.

The 19-year-old was named in the Championship Team of the Year last season after his loan spell at Wigan Athletic but his start to the new season has been hampered by injury.

James injured his ankle while playing for England’s Under 20s earlier this summer, and he underwent surgery to fix damaged ligaments last month. He is expected to return to full training in a matter of weeks.