CHELSEA ended their terrible pre-season by avoiding defeat to Inter Milan – against the new blue Pedro Neto.
Enzo Maresca heads into the upcoming campaign with three defeats in six friendlies, after Lesley Ugochukwu equalized late on.
In truth, the Blues were the better of the two teams throughout the 90 minutes, but had no clear chances until a last-gasp equalizer.
A counterattack in the 25th minute saw Joaquin Correa play through strike partner Thuram.
Levi Colwill was slow to react and lost his man as Frenchman Thuram advanced and passed Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea knocked on the door at times, with the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall breaking into the box but failing to connect with shots.
The hosts came closest to tying the game in the second half, after Malo Gusto crossed from the right.
It was up to substitute Christopher Nkunku, who made an excellent bicycle kick and tried to make a great save from Yann Sommer.
Colwill also hit the post after the ball passed to him inside the box following a corner.
At half-time, Chelsea fans were treated to the latest in Maresca’s summer transfer spree, with Neto posing in blue for the first time.
5
5
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
It comes after completing a £54m move from Wolves.
Neto prefers to cut in from the right with his left foot, but is equally capable of playing on the other side.
Noni Madueke has been one of Chelsea’s brightest stars in a dismal pre-season.
And Euro 2024’s final top scorer Cole Palmer replaced Madueke on the right to leave some serious competition on that flank for next season.
A late corner saw the ball fall to Ugochukwu and he struck brilliantly to earn a deserved draw.
Maresca’s men host Premier League champions Manchester City in west London in the season opener next Sunday.
And they do this while still needing inspiration, perhaps in the form of winger Neto.
5
5
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
