Gian Piero Gasperini is delighted with the preseason form of his new signings.
After victory over Villarreal, Gasperini said: "[Rodrigo] Palacio is sending out important signals, he is working hard and did well in defending as well as attacking. He is a key player.
"[Alberto] Zapater is also doing very well. He has quality and players of that calibre do not need long to settle in to a new team or system. He knows football and you can see he is accustomed to high pressure situations."
Gasperini also confirmed that ex-Valencia man Emiliano Moretti will be used as centre-back, leaving Salvatore Bocchetti on the left.
"You have seen what [Hernan] Crespo can do, while [Giuseppe] Sculli alternates between incredible pieces of skill and silly mistakes, but that's just what he's like and he is crucial for us.
"I'd say that, despite injuries, we are in good shape."