Overview
Davide Zappacosta is an Italian full-back, primarily deployed on the right side of defence, who has forged a career in both Serie A and the Premier League. Born on 11 June 1992, in Sora, Italy, Zappacosta stands at 1.82 meters tall and is known for his athleticism and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. His career has seen him feature for prominent clubs such as Atalanta, Torino, Chelsea, and AS Roma, accumulating significant experience in top-tier European football.
Position
Zappacosta's primary role is that of a right-back or right wing-back. This position allows him to leverage his pace and stamina to cover the flank effectively, participating in both offensive and defensive phases of play. His versatility has also seen him occasionally deployed further up the pitch as a right midfielder, particularly in systems that employ wing-backs, highlighting his comfort in advanced positions.
Identity
Zappacosta is often characterized as a modern attacking full-back. His identity on the pitch is defined by his willingness to overlap, deliver crosses into the box, and engage in intricate link-up play with wingers and central midfielders. While contributing offensively, he also maintains a disciplined defensive approach, making him a balanced option for teams requiring dynamic wide players.
Career path
Davide Zappacosta's professional career began in Italy, progressing through various youth systems before establishing himself in Serie A and later experiencing a spell in the Premier League.
Early career in Italy
Zappacosta started his youth career at Isola Liri, making his senior debut for the club in the 2009–10 season in Serie D. His performances earned him a move to Atalanta BC's youth sector in 2011. He then spent time on loan at Avellino, initially in Lega Pro Prima Divisione, where he became a key player and helped them achieve promotion to Serie B in 2013. He continued with Avellino in Serie B for the 2013–14 season, making 32 appearances and scoring 1 goal, as detailed by Transfermarkt.
Serie A establishment
Following his successful spell at Avellino, Zappacosta returned to Atalanta for the 2014–15 Serie A season, making his debut in Italy's top flight. His consistent displays at right-back caught the attention of Torino FC, who signed him in July 2015 for an undisclosed fee, as reported by Transfermarkt. He spent two seasons with Torino, becoming a regular starter and further enhancing his reputation as a reliable full-back in Serie A.
Move to England
In August 2017, Zappacosta moved to England, joining Premier League club Chelsea FC on a four-year contract. He made his debut for Chelsea in the Premier League and scored his first goal for the club in a UEFA Champions League match against Qarabağ FK, a moment highlighted by UEFA. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he contributed to Chelsea's FA Cup success in 2018 and the UEFA Europa League triumph in 2019, despite not always being a first-team regular.
Return to Italy and loan spells
After two seasons in England, Zappacosta returned to Italy on loan. He joined AS Roma for the first half of the 2019–20 season, though injuries limited his appearances. He then had another loan spell at Genoa CFC for the 2020–21 season, where he regained form and played regularly. In August 2021, he made a permanent return to Atalanta BC, signing a multi-year contract and re-establishing himself as a key component of their squad in Serie A and European competitions, as noted by Transfermarkt.
Playing style
Davide Zappacosta's playing style is characterized by a blend of offensive impetus and defensive diligence, making him a archetypal modern full-back. His natural position on the right flank allows him to utilize his physical attributes and technical capabilities effectively.
Technical attributes
- Pace and Stamina: Zappacosta possesses considerable pace, which is crucial for both tracking back defensively and making overlapping runs in attack. His stamina allows him to maintain a high work rate throughout a match, covering significant ground on the right wing.
- Crossing Ability: A key aspect of his offensive game is his crossing. Zappacosta is adept at delivering accurate balls into the penalty area, both from deep positions and after reaching the byline. This provides a consistent threat for strikers and attacking midfielders.
- Dribbling: While not a primary dribbler in the mould of a winger, Zappacosta is competent in one-on-one situations, often using quick changes of pace and close control to beat defenders and create space for crosses or passes.
- Defensive Work Rate: Despite his attacking tendencies, Zappacosta is committed to his defensive duties. He tracks back diligently, engages in tackles, and contributes to pressing schemes. His defensive statistics, such as tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, often reflect his engagement in winning back possession, as detailed by platforms like FBref.
- Passing Range: Zappacosta exhibits a solid passing range, capable of playing short, incisive passes to link up with teammates or longer diagonal balls to switch play. His pass completion rates are typically consistent, aiding in ball retention and build-up play.
Comparison
Zappacosta can be compared to other full-backs known for their balanced approach and engine-like qualities on the flank, such as Matteo Darmian or even a younger Antonio Valencia during his transition to right-back. These players combine defensive solidity with a willingness to get forward and deliver dangerous balls, embodying the modern demands of the full-back role.
Achievements & honours
Davide Zappacosta has accumulated several significant team honours throughout his career, particularly during his tenure with Chelsea and his earlier success in Italy.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Avellino | Lega Pro Prima Divisione | 2012–13 |
| Chelsea | FA Cup | 2017–18 |
| Chelsea | UEFA Europa League | 2018–19 |
His earliest professional success came with Avellino, where he was part of the squad that secured promotion from Lega Pro Prima Divisione to Serie B in the 2012–13 season. This marked an important step in his development as a professional footballer.
With Chelsea, Zappacosta experienced the pinnacle of club football. He was a member of the squad that won the FA Cup in the 2017–18 season, an iconic domestic trophy in English football. The following season, he contributed to Chelsea's triumph in the UEFA Europa League, securing a major European title. While he often played a rotational role, his contributions in cup competitions and league matches were valuable to these successes.
International career
Davide Zappacosta has represented Italy at various youth levels before making his senior international debut. His journey through the national team setup reflects his consistent performances at club level.
Youth International
Zappacosta first represented Italy at the U21 level, participating in the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He was a key player for the U21 squad, showcasing his potential on a continental stage. This experience provided him with valuable exposure to international competition and helped pave the way for his senior call-up.
Senior National Team
He received his first call-up to the senior Italy national team in May 2016 for a training camp ahead of UEFA Euro 2016. Zappacosta made his senior debut for Italy on 12 November 2016, in a 4–0 home win against Liechtenstein during a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a match documented by FIFA. He went on to earn a total of 13 caps for the Azzurri, primarily featuring in World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches.
While he was a regular fixture in the squad during the 2017-2018 period, he did not participate in any major international tournaments like the UEFA European Championship or the FIFA World Cup. His role in the national team was generally as a reliable backup right-back, providing cover and competition for other players in the position. His international career reflects a solid, albeit not extensive, contribution to the Italian national side during a transitional period for the team.
What makes Davide Zappacosta stand out
Davide Zappacosta stands out primarily due to his unwavering commitment to attacking the flank and his consistent work rate. His ability to cover significant ground, both in defensive recovery and offensive overlaps, is a defining characteristic.
One of his most notable traits is his powerful and accurate crossing. Zappacosta frequently finds himself in positions to deliver dangerous balls into the box, often with good weight and trajectory, making him a valuable asset in creating goal-scoring opportunities from wide areas. Furthermore, his adaptability to different tactical systems, from a traditional back-four right-back to a wing-back in a five-man defence, highlights his tactical intelligence and versatility.
"Zappacosta provides a great option on the right side; he's got energy, pace, and can deliver a good ball into the box." – Former coach assessment