Lesley Ugochukwu scored a 90th-minute equaliser as Chelsea salvaged a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan on Sunday in their final pre-season friendly ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
The draw at Stamford Bridge brings to an end a difficult pre-season for Chelsea, who have lost to Real Madrid, Manchester City and Celtic and drawn with League One side Wrexham. Their only win was against Club América.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gave four new signings minutes, with Marc Guiu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall named in the starting XI, while Renato Veiga and Tosin Adarabioyo were introduced at half-time.
Inter striker Marcus Thuram opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute when he fired a left-footed shot into the top corner following a pass from Joaquin Correa.
Despite being behind, Chelsea were better in the first half, with Malo Gusto and Guiu wasting chances to equalise.
Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea introduced their latest signing Pedro Neto at half-time after the Portuguese winger signed a seven-year contract with the club.
Maresca's side continued to create chances in the second half, with Christopher Nkunku having an acrobatic shot saved by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Levi Colwill hitting the post from a fine angle.
Just when it looked like there was no way Chelsea could advance, Ugochukwu fired home a half-volley after Cole Palmer's free-kick had fallen kindly to him on the edge of the six-yard box.
Chelsea host Premier League champions City on Sunday in their first competitive game of the season.
