Davide
Zappacosta is due to undergo a medical at Roma on Wednesday, ahead of
sealing his season-long loan from Chelsea, according to Sky in Italy.
The right-back has not featured for Chelsea this season under new head coach
Frank Lampard and is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
He joined Chelsea from Torino in 2017 under the management of Antonio Conte
and went on to feature 35 times during his debut season in England.
He was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in May 2018, but was an unused
substitute during the 1-0 final victory over Manchester United at Wembley.
Zappacosta made only four Premier League appearances last season under
Maurizio Sarri, with the majority of his performances coming in Chelsea's
successful run to the Europa League title.
Does this leave Chelsea short at right-back?
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta remains Chelsea's first-choice right-back, despite
a shaky start to the new season in the 4-0 defeat away at Manchester United.
Lampard is keen to give youth a chance this campaign given the club's
transfer ban and has already handed starts to Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham.
Reece James impressed on loan at Wigan last season and there are high hopes
he can become the long-term successor to Azpilicueta.
He is currently working his way back to full fitness having suffered ankle
ligament damage while playing for England at the U20 Toulon Tournament
during the summer.
James is expected to return to action in September, so the departure of
Zappacosta is unlikely to cause problems for Lampard.
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