Chelsea: Enzo Maresca’s Stamford Bridge era begins with Inter Milan friendly

Chelsea will play a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 11 August, with the match starting at 3 PM, Soccernet.football reports.

This will be the first home game for new head coach Enzo Maresca, who joined the Blues in the summer after leading Leicester City to win the Championship.

The game against Inter Milan will be a chance for Chelsea fans to see their team just a week before the Premier League season begins. Chelsea will face Manchester City in their first Premier League match on 18 August.

Maresca will face his fellow Italian, Simone Inzaghi, in this match. Inter Milan, the Serie A champions, will be a tough opponent. Fans will also see Chelsea’s new signings and players returning from Euro 2024 and Copa America.

This is Chelsea’s first pre-season game at Stamford Bridge since 2021 and their first match against an overseas team at home since 2018. Chelsea last played Inter Milan in 2018, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw before Chelsea won 5-4 on penalties.

Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the US includes five matches. They will play Wrexham on 24 July, Celtic on 27 July, Club America on 31 July, Manchester City on 3 August, and Real Madrid on 6 August.

Chelsea have made five new signings: Tosin Adarabioyo, Estevao Willian (joining in 2025), Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. They are also looking for a winger and a centre-forward, with Jonathan David and Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran as potential targets.

Carney Chukwuemeka will stay at Chelsea despite loan offers while the club is reportedly open to selling Armando Broja for around £35 million. Conor Gallagher’s future is uncertain, with interest from Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Atletico Madrid. Talks about his contract will continue after England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

The match against Inter Milan will be an exciting start to Chelsea’s 2024/25 season. With new signings, a new head coach, and returning international stars, this game at Stamford Bridge is a must-watch for all Chelsea fans.