Italy talent Cesare Casadei has remained at Chelsea despite rumours of a possible return to Serie A, but it remains to be seen how much playing time he’ll get under Enzo Maresca before the January transfer window opens.
Casadei was top scorer and named MVP at the Under-20 World Cup, which helped earn his early recall from a loan at Leicester City to Stamford Bridge, but it could at the same time be seen as a step backwards in his career progress.
Lazio and Fiorentina had been linked with the Inter academy product and there had been reports of a possible move to the Stadio Franchi.
Sky Sport Italia said in July that Fiorentina had failed to reach an agreement with Chelsea, while TMW reported the following month that the 21-year-old had failed medical tests with La Viola due to a knee problem.
Casadei must fight for Chelsea playing time
The Athletic also reported that Casadei had suffered a minor knee injury, although he resumed training with Chelsea’s first team two weeks ago.
He did not take part in Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the USA in July, suggesting that he was not on Enzo Maresca’s plans. The former midfielder had coached Casadei at Leicester City last season, where he saw his compatriot score three goals in 25 appearances.
During his first interview in 2024, Italy CT Luciano Spalletti mentioned Casadei among the players who could have soon played in the senior Azzurri squad, but things have gone differently since. The promising midfielder returned to Chelsea in February 2024, playing just 79 minutes under Mauricio Pochettino, and his efforts to get more playing time at Stamford Bridge this season may be even tougher.
The Azzurri man was not even on the bench in the opening two Premier League games against Manchester City and Wolves, then spent the latest match against Crystal Palace watching on from the touchline.
The 21-year-old hasn’t been called up by Italy U21 for upcoming games against San Marino and Norway, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be part of the team in October and November if the lack of playing time at Chelsea continues. Casadei has one goal in nine Italy U21 matches.
If his development can’t continue at Chelsea, Casadei will likely try to find an escape route in January, especially after changing his agents at the end of the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old has picked Epic Sports, whose representatives were involved in negotiations for Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid and Romelu Lukaku to Napoli in the latest transfer window.
Unreal only Italy does this to its players . Pathetic as usual