Italy manager Mancini wants Emerson to leave Chelsea

Italy boss Roberto Mancini was hoping Emerson Palmieri would leave Chelsea.

The left-back is still with the club and is unlikely to see much game time, with Ben Chilwell now first choice.

Emerson was linked with a move back to Serie A before the transfer deadline, but nothing materialised.

It is unclear if the player will be able to go to Euro 2020 next summer if he only plays a handful of club games between now and then.

"I was hoping Emerson could go to a team where he can play continuously," his Italy boss Mancini said at a news conference.

"We have always had a bit of difficulty - there are now fewer Italians compared to the past - but we have still put together an excellent team."