Cesare Casadei continues to impress for Chelsea under-21s throughout the World Cup break as he eyes a spot in Graham Potter's senior squad.
Casadei was one of four signings that fit in with Todd Boehly's new long-term vision at Stamford Bridge, along with the arrivals of Gabriel Slonina, Omari Hutchinson and Carney Chukwuemeka. The American owner has looked to protect the future of the Blues by signing talented youngsters and the Italian midfielder has been a standout performer at youth level.
Casadei has scored four goals and provided one assist in eight appearances for the under-21s and is hoping to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge. The 19-year-old featured in Italy's Primavera 1 division 30 times last term for Inter, netting 14 goals and 4 assists last season and added three more contributions in the UEFA Youth League.
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Casadei has once again staked a claim to be a part of Potter's senior squad after scoring a perfect hat-trick for the Blues under-21s against National League South side Dulwich Hamlet FC on Saturday. The 19-year-old scored the second goal of the game with a fierce strike into the roof of the net after the ball fell to him from a corner.
Casadei followed this up by nodding home the Blues' fourth goal to regain the lead in the second half before sealing his hat-trick three minutes later with a long-range strike. Inter Milan academy director Roberto Samaden has revealed his 'disappointment' at losing Casadei but still finds 'joy' in seeing him perform for Chelsea.
The Inter Milan chief said: "There's disappointment at not seeing him in a Nerazzurri shirt anymore, but the joy of seeing him at Chelsea is still real. Selling him was an understandable choice from the club's point of view financially."
Potter may look to use Casadei as an option in his team for the second half of the season with the Blues having struggled in attack ahead of the World Cup break.
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