Ugochukwu scores late as Chelsea draw with Inter
Lesley Ugochukwu scored a 90th-minute equaliser as Chelsea rescued a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan on Sunday in their final preseason friendly ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
The draw at Stamford Bridge rounds off a difficult preseason for Chelsea in which they have been beaten by Real Madrid, Manchester City and Celtic and held to a draw by League One side Wrexham. Their only victory came against Club America.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca gave minutes to four new recruits as Marc Guiu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were named in the starting XI, while Renato Veiga and Tosin Adarabioyo were introduced at half-time.
Inter forward Marcus Thuram opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute when he drilled a shot into the top corner with his left foot after being set up Joaquín Correa.
Despite falling behind, Chelsea were the better team in the first half, with Malo Gusto and Guiu wasting chances to bring them level.
Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea unveiled their latest signing, Pedro Neto, at half-time after the Portugal winger signed a seven-year contract with the club.
Maresca’s side continued to create openings in the second half as Christopher Nkunku saw an acrobatic effort saved by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer and Levi Colwill hit the post from a fine angle.
Just when it seemed as though there would be no way through for Chelsea, Ugochukwu struck home a half volley after Cole Palmer‘s free kick fell kindly to him on the edge of the six-yard box.
Chelsea host Premier League champions City next Sunday in their first competitive game of the season.
