Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta has joined Roma on a six-month loan, with option to extend to June 2020.

The transfer was completed today after he flew in last night for a medical at the Villa Stuart clinic.

“Zappacosta joins the Giallorossi from the English club on an initial six-month loan which runs until January 2020. As part of the deal, there is the option to extend the loan until 30 June 2020,” read a statement.

At the same time, Chelsea announced that Zappacosta had extended his contract with the Premier League side until June 2022.

“I am happy to have arrived at Roma after an experience abroad that really helped form me, both as a man and a player,” Zappacosta told asroma.com.

“It’s truly exciting to play for a big club like this and I can’t wait to start training with my new teammates.”

The 27-year-old returns to Serie A after his €25m move from Torino to Chelsea in August 2017, so is reunited with former Toro director of sport Gianluca Petrachi.

“I am happy to welcome Zappacosta back to one of my teams,” Petrachi told the club website as cited by Football Italia.

“Compared to the player I appreciated at Torino, today Roma find a lad who is more mature on a professional and technical level thanks to his experience abroad.

“I am certain Davide will be able to give an important contribution during the course of the season.”

Zappacosta made 52 competitive appearances for Chelsea, scoring two goals with four assists.

He has chosen the Number 2 jersey for Roma.

Photo Credit: Twitter/asroma.com