Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta says he will consider a January return to Serie A if he continues to struggle for first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian right-back has been an unused substitute in each of Chelsea’s first three Premier League games this season with Cesar Azpilicueta firmly established as Maurizio Sarri’s first-choice in Zappacosta’s position.

Having made only 12 top flight starts last season, his first since joining the Blues from Torino for £23million, Zappacosta’s long-term future at Chelsea appears to be insecure and he has said that he is already receiving interest from his homeland.

“Could I return to Italy? Yes, Inter Milan had been after me,” Zappacosta said.

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“My agent Alessandro Lucci had told me about their interest, although I’ve always remained focused on Chelsea.

“Could I return in January? I have three more years on my contract here and I only want to think about doing well with Chelsea.

“There’s a lot of competition here, but I want to win a place in the XI. After that, it’s clear that if I didn’t find much room, I don’t think any player would like that.”

Though Inter expressed interest earlier in the transfer window they subsequently turned to Atletico Madrid’s Croatian international Sime Vrsaljko, who joined the Nerazzurri on a season-long loan.