Italy boss Roberto Mancini wants Emerson Palmieri to leave Chelsea

Italy boss Roberto Mancini has encouraged Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri to find first-team football in Serie A.

Since leaving Roma for Stamford Bridge in January 2018, Palmieri has made just 45 starts and seven substitute outings in all competitions.

With the full-back having fallen down the pecking order under Frank Lampard, Mancini has admitted that he would like to see the 25-year-old return to his homeland.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini said: "As for the full-backs, we knew Adam Masina, although he disappeared from the radar a bit after his move to Watford.

"It would be nice if Emerson Palmieri, who hasn't played much for Chelsea, could come and play in Italy."

Palmieri has recently been linked with a switch to Juventus, who are managed by former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.