Chelsea lose to Fiorentina in final friendly

Chelsea lost for the third time in five pre-season matches as Italian side Fiorentina beat them 1-0 in a friendly at Stamford Bridge.

A youthful starting line-up trailed to Gonzalez Rodruigez’s tap-in at the interval.

And despite nine changes before the hour prompting an improved second half from a much more familiar looking side, the Blues were unable to find an equaliser in their final friendly before Saturday’s Premier League opener against Swansea City.

Matias Fernadez forced an excellent save from Asmir Begovic inside 70 seconds but Chelsea dominated for the opening 25 minutes after that early scare.

Bertrand Traore, a surprise selection at left-back, and teenage right-back Ola Aina both saw plenty of the ball and had a sight of goal, but it was another youngster who came closest to opening the scoring.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a goalbound shot blocked after showing some fine footwork on the left flank, cutting inside and cleverly evading two challenges.

Oscar impressed playing in the number 10 role, directing play from deep and in the final third, while Radamel Falcao, who started up front ahead of Loic Remy in Diego Costa’s absence, looked sharp and desperate to impress on his first appearance for Chelsea at the Bridge.

However, Fiorentina started to dominate possession against an inexperienced team and, soon after Matias Vecino hit the Chelsea bar with a stunning long-range strike, Rodriugez netted from close range on the follow-up.

Gary Cahill had a second-half header easily saved and Remy went close, but Fiorentina held on despite the incessant pressure.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Begovic, Aina (Ivanovic 46), Traore (Azpilicueta 46), Zouma, Terry (Cahill 46); Mikel (Matic 46), Loftus-Cheek (Hazard 58); Cuadrado (Willian 58), Oscar (Fabregas 58), Moses (Ramires 54); Falcao (Remy 58).

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