CHELSEA left-back Emerson Palmieri has been urged by Italy boss Roberto Mancini to quit Chelsea and return to Serie A.

The former Manchester City gaffer believes the ex-Roma ace should depart Stamford Bridge should his game time not improve under Frank Lampard.

The 25-year-old has struggled to maintain a starting spot in West London since arriving to the club in January 2018.

He has started just 13 Premier League games this campaign, with the player battling with Marcos Alonso to be selected.

And his future at Chelsea is already in question as rumours circulate that Lampard is keen on signing a new left-back, with Leicester's Ben Chilwell believed to be a target.

With the European Championship being pushed back a year to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mancini has urged Emerson to think of his options if he wishes to be named in his squad.

Addressing some of the defenders he has at his disposal, Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport: "As for the full-backs, we knew Adam Masina, although he disappeared from the radar a bit after his move to Watford.

“Luca Pellegrini already spent time with the senior squad and can improve.

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

Both Juventus and Inter Milan are claimed to be interested in Emerson, with Maurizio Sarri and Antonio Conte keen to link up with the player they managed in England.

Emerson's agent Luis Fernando Garcia told Juvenews: "We know very well about Juventus' interest but also about Inter. So far there has been no talk of a transfer with Chelsea, nor has there been any official offer.

"I believe that until May there will be no official offers from the two clubs. In the summer we will decide what to do."

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