Enzo Maresca's Stamford Bridge era will begin with Inter Milan friendly

Chelsea FC is gearing up for an exciting pre-season friendly against Serie A champions Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 11 August. The match, which kicks off at 3 PM, will be the first home game for newly-appointed head coach Enzo Maresca, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Blues.

The upcoming fixture against Inter Milan will give Chelsea fans a fantastic opportunity to see their beloved team in action at Stamford Bridge, just a week before the Premier League season commences. This match will serve as the final tune-up for the squad before they face Manchester City in their opening Premier League match on 18 August.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's new head coach, will go head-to-head with his fellow Italian, Simone Inzaghi, in this highly-anticipated friendly. Inter Milan, fresh off their 20th Serie A title, will undoubtedly provide a formidable challenge for Maresca's men. This game will also give fans their first glimpse of Chelsea's new signings, as well as the return of familiar faces from international duties at Euro 2024 and Copa America.

This match marks Chelsea's first pre-season game at Stamford Bridge since 2021, when they faced Tottenham Hotspur. It is also their first encounter against an overseas opponent at home since 2018, when they took on Lyon. The last time Chelsea and Inter Milan crossed paths was in 2018 during the International Champions Cup in France, which ended in a 1-1 draw before the Blues emerged victorious in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout.

Before returning to London, Chelsea will embark on a pre-season tour in the United States, featuring five exciting matches. The Blues will face Wrexham at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on 24 July, followed by a clash against Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana, on 27 July. On 31 July, Chelsea will take on Club America at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Blues will then face Manchester City at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on 3 August, before concluding their US tour with a match against Real Madrid at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on 6 August.

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, securing five new signings so far: Tosin Adarabioyo, Estevao Willian (joining in 2025), Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The club is still on the hunt for a winger and a centre-forward, with Jonathan David and Aston Villa's Jhon Duran being potential targets.

Chelsea have opted to retain the services of rising star Carney Chukwuemeka, turning down loan offers from foreign clubs and will only entertain permanent bids. The Blues are willing to part ways with striker Armando Broja for a fee in the region of £35 million. Conor Gallagher's future at the club hangs in the balance, with Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Atletico Madrid all expressing interest. Discussions about extending Gallagher's contract are expected to resume following England's Euro 2024 campaign.

The clash between Chelsea and Inter Milan promises to be an enthralling curtain-raiser for the Blues' 2024/25 season. With new signings, a new head coach, and the return of international stars, this match at Stamford Bridge is a must-watch for all Chelsea fans, as they eagerly anticipate the start of what could be a memorable campaign.