DALLA BONA SPEAKS OUT

The Chelsea midfielder has forced his way into the starting line-up under Claudio Ranieri, and seems relatively pleased with how things are going at Stamford Bridge, even despite the departure of his idol Gianluca Vialli.

"Gianluca has always been my hero because, since I was small, I was Juventino," admitted the 19-year-old. "Indeed, I still am.

"So going to Chelsea was an opportunity not to lose, and I had to give it a try.

"I admit I was astonished by the lack of structures, systems and preparation. When I arrived I saw stars like Marcel Desailly and Vialli training on a poor pitch neighbouring Heathrow.

"I have thought that you could almost say we might as well go to play in Hyde Park!

"For me, it has been very difficult because, above all, the situation with Atalanta was very different."

As regards Vialli, he was clearly a major factor behind Dalla Bona`s decision to head for the English capital.

"If it had been a typical English team - without Italians and Vialli - I probably would not have gone," he conceded.

"Gianluca had made me promises. He had said that next year would have been my year.

"When he was fired, I was fearful but, instead, Ranieri has come and given me compliments.

"The last times with Vialli did not go well. Luca had some problems with the players.

"The club decided to fire him instead of losing six or seven players. But he did not deserve to be hounded out.

"With Mr Ranieri we find things well, even if Luca could laugh and joke more. He has still got some difficulties with the language.

"In the dressing room, he speaks Spanish and Gustavo Poyet translates into English. At times, he tries to speak English to see if he is improving - from the bench, he already succeeds in screaming orders without a translator."

As regards the future, the teenager added: "I have a contract until the end of the 2002/2003 season but it would appeal to me to return to Italy. Even so, in England I am well and I have learned English."