Udinese 1-3 Chelsea: Thomas Tuchel’s side defeat Serie A opposition with Raheem Sterling on target

Udinese 1-3 Chelsea: Raheem Sterling scores his first goal for his new club as the Blues see off their Serie A opponents to give Thomas Tuchel something to finally smile about in pre-season

  • Chelsea defeated Udinese 3-1 in their final pre-season friendly
  • Goals from N’Golo Kante, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount secured the win
  • New signing Kalidou Koulibaly gave an fine performance in the heart of defence 
  • The Blues now look ahead to Premier League opener against Everton

Raheem Sterling scored his first Chelsea goal tonight as the club defeated Udinese 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Dacia Arena in Udine.

N’Golo Kante opened the scoring with a great strike after just 20 minutes, driving forward from midfield before unleashing a low shot from the edge of the box to beat Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.

Raheem Sterling then opened his account with the Blues to double Chelsea’s lead on 37 minutes, latching onto a through ball into the box and scoring a rebound after his initial effort was saved.

Chelsea defeated Serie A club Udinese Calcio 3-1 at the Dacia Arena in Udine.

Udienese kept the game lively however, and former Watford forward Gerard Deulofeu capitalised on a rebound to hit back just before half time.

Chelsea dominated the ball after the break but failed to make the most of several good chances before Callum Hudson-Odoi set up Mason Mount to score in the final minutes of the game to seal the win.

Blues fans will be impressed with the performance of new signing Kalidou Koulibaly, who looked assured on the left side of a defensive back three alongside Thaigo Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta before being substituted.

Thomas Tuchel's side finished third in the Premier League last season

Thomas Tuchel’s side finished third in the Premier League last season

Mason Mount also delivered an impressive performance in Northern Italy, and could have had a second goal in the dying seconds of the game.

The win, just one week before the first game of the Premier League campaign will come as a relief to Tuchel after the Blues have endured a difficult pre-season.

An victory over Club America was followed by a defeat on penalties by MLS side Charlotte FC, and a 4-0 loss to Arsenal, to cap off a pre-season tour of the US to forgot for the Blues. 

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