- Chelsea earned a draw against Inter thanks to Lesley Ugochukwu’s late strike
- The Blues suffered three defeats in six pre-season friendlies, winning just one
- Get breaking Premier League news straight to your phone on Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp channel
Chelsea rounded off their dismal pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s men prepared for the upcoming campaign with three defeats in six matches as Lesley Ugochukwu’s late strike spared their blushes on Sunday.
The Italian boss fielded a strong side against the Serie A Champions ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener.
Cole Palmer, who was given an extended break after reaching the Euro 2024 final with England, was given his first pre-season minutes alongside Marc Cucurella and Nicholas Jackson.
The west London club however found themselves trailing after 26 minutes through Marcus Thuram’s strike from the edge of the box.
Chelsea finished their pre-season with just one win under new boss Enzo Maresca
![The Blues were held to draw by Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge ahead of next week's opener](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/11/18/88413211-13733223-image-a-19_1723397246743.jpg)
The Blues were held to draw by Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge ahead of next week’s opener
![Marcus Thuram's strike from the edge of the box gave the Italians the lead inside 26 minutes](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/11/18/88413563-0-image-a-3_1723396376132.jpg)
Marcus Thuram’s strike from the edge of the box gave the Italians the lead inside 26 minutes
![Lesley Ugochukwu spared Chelsea's blushes with a powerful strike in the dying moments](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/11/18/88413631-0-image-a-4_1723396699731.jpg)
Lesley Ugochukwu spared Chelsea’s blushes with a powerful strike in the dying moments
Chelsea dominated possession and attempts at goal but lacked clear cut chances against the Serie A giants.
At the break, home supporters were introduced to the latest signing Pedro Neto, whose £54million move from Wolves was confirmed moments earlier.
Christopher Nkunku forced a save from Yan Sommer in the second-half while Levi Colwill struck the post.
The Blues earned a draw in the dying moments thanks to a powerful striker by Ugochukwu’s after Inter had failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Sunday’s draw ensured Maresca’s side won just once in pre-season, with 3-0 victory coming against Mexican side Club America.
Chelsea lost against Real Madrid, Manchester City and Celtic during their tour of the US and drew with League One Wrexham.
The Blues will seek to put their poor pre-season results to a side when they host champions Manchester City in their first Premier League match of the season next Sunday.
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