Chelsea's overstuffed preseason program comes to a close this weekend with a final friendly, this time right at home at the Bridge against Inter Milan. In contrast to Chelsea's jet-setting gallivanting of dubious competitive and (judging by half-empty stadiums) commercial benefit around the United States, this will be Inter's first and only preseason match of the five scheduled that will be outside Italy.
The US Tour may have raised more questions and concerns than answers and reassurances it may have provided, but Enzo Maresca is hoping to end the preseason on a good note and start building a good relationship with the fans.
"I always try to build a good relationship with the supporters, especially because when we are at home they can be the twelfth player for us. We need them pushing and behind us. We will try to do our best to help them enjoy the game and share the joy."
-Enzo Maresca; source: Chelsea FC
Chelsea have endured a mixed pre-season campaign under their new boss Enzo Maresca. Although they have shown early promise in the pre-season, there is plenty of work to do on the defensive side as the team adjusts to his demands. This match against Inter Milan remains the final hurdle for them as they welcome reigning champions Manchester City on the opening weekend of the Premier League. The Sky Blues have made some impressive signings, particularly the potential arrival of Pedro Neto can prove to be a huge difference for the team going forward.
Inter Milan have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in Europe ever since Simone Inzaghi has been in charge. The Nerazzurri won the Serie A title last term by a huge margin while also securing the Coppa Italia. So far, Simone Inzaghi’s team have played five pre-season games before this match recording three wins, drawing one and losing one.
The team suffered a 2-0 loss against Saudi side Al-Ittihad in the last match. They now have a brilliant chance to win this match and take this momentum into the opening weekend against Genoa.
The Nerazzurri travel to London where they will face off against the Blues as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for the campaign. The start of both the Serie A and Premier League seasons is now just a week away.
Inter will have a few players missing from tomorrow’s match.
Defender Stefan de Vrij, for one, has picked up an injury. The thigh problem for the Dutchman occurred in the final minutes of Inter’s last friendly, against Al-Ittihad. Meanwhile, the Corriere report, striker Mehdi Taremi and midfielder Piotr Zielinski are recovering well from muscle injuries of their own – but won’t be available against Chelsea tomorrow.
Then, there is midfielder Calhanoglu. The Corriere report that the 30-year-old former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has been training individually. According to the newspaper, Calhanoglu has been dealing with a slight nagging muscle problem. However, this is no worry. It is just a slight twinge that Calhanoglu can shake off in a couple of days. Nevertheless, the Corriere reports, Inter certainly won’t risk Calhanoglu from the start tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez will be part of the squad tomorrow. The Argentine returned to training for the Nerazzurri last week. He is pushing to reach full match fitness in time for the team’s Serie A opener against Genoa. Therefore, there is every chance that Martinez will start in attack alongside Marcus Thuram tomorrow.
Chelsea vs Inter Milan: Team News
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea have two injury concerns in their squad with Axel Disasi suffering a groin injury while Nicolas Jackson is a major doubt after recovering from a sprained ankle. Also, it remains to be seen whether Enzo Maresca involves Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella in this match.
Inter Milan Team News
Inter Milan could be without four players for this match. Stefan de Vrij, Tajon Buchanan and summer signings Mehdi Taremi & Piotr Zielinski are all sidelined for this match due to injuries. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu will not be risked in Inter Milan’s upcoming friendly match against Chelsea due to a slight muscle problem.
Chelsea vs Inter Milan: Prediction and Betting Tips
Although Chelsea have been fragile at the back, their attacking performance has been impressive under Enzo Maresca, who is slowly building a good side. They are now set to face Serie A champions Inter Milan in their final pre-season game. The Nerazzurri are an excellent side and will present a huge challenge for them. However, considering the fact Chelsea are playing at home, we expect them to secure a draw here.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Inter Milan
Tip 1: Result - Inter Milan to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes
Chelsea vs Inter Milan: Key Players
The former RB Leipzig hotshot is in his second season with the club after making the move in the summer window of 2023. However, Nkunku had an injury-prone last season after missing a large chunk of matches due to several setbacks. Nevertheless, now fit and firing, this season looks to be the breakthrough year for him.
Fresh from winning the Copa America with Argentina, Lautaro Martinez will make his first appearance for the club in the pre-season. He had a wonderful tournament winning the Golden Boot after scoring five goals on their road to success which included the winner against Colombia in the final. Last season, Martinez had a fantastic campaign scoring 27 goals for the team to lead them to the Serie A title and also the Coppa Italia triumph.
Chelsea vs Inter Milan: Where To Watch
The match will be streamed on DAZN Italia and Inter TV.
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