CHELSEA ended their dismal pre-season by avoiding defeat against Inter Milan – in front of new Blue Pedro Neto.
Enzo Maresca heads into the upcoming campaign with three losses in six friendlies after Lesley Ugochukwu levelled late on.
In truth, the Blues were the better of the two teams over 90 minutes but lacked clear-cut chances until the last-gasp equaliser.
A counter attack on 25 minutes saw Joaquin Correa play through strike-partner Thuram.
Levi Colwill was slow to react and lost his man with France’s Thuram breaking through and hammering past Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea did knock on the door at times with the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall breaking into the box but failing to get shots off.
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The host’s came closest to drawing the game level in the second half after Malo Gusto crossed in from the right flank.
It fell to substitute Christopher Nkunku, who excellently bicycle-kicked en effort down low to produce a great save from Yann Sommer.
Colwill also hit the post after the ball broke to him inside the box following a corner.
At the break, Chelsea fans were introduced to the latest in Maresca’s summer transfer spree as Neto posed in blue for the first time.
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It comes after completing a £54million move from Wolves.
Neto prefers to cut in from the right on his favoured left foot but he is equally capable of playing on the other side.
Noni Madueke has been among Chelsea’s brightest sparks in an otherwise gloomy pre-season.
And Euro 2024 final scorer Cole Palmer replaced Madueke on the right to leave huge competition on that flank for the upcoming season.
A corner late on saw the ball fall to Ugochukwu and he brilliantly volleyed home to secure a well-earned draw.
Maresca’s men welcome Premier League champions Manchester City to West London in their season opener next Sunday.
And they do so still in need of some inspiration, maybe in the form of winger Neto.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
