Fiorentina are reportedly interested in pursuing a deal for 21-year-old Italy talent Cesare Casadei, after he was left off Enzo Maresca’s travelling Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of the United States on Tuesday.
Despite the fact that Casadei and Maresca worked together in the Championship at Leicester last season, the Italian coach has not selected his compatriot for pre-season friendlies against Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Napoli target Romelu Lukaku was also left off Maresca’s pre-season squad.
Fiorentina interest in Casadei
Fiorentina are the first club to register an interest in Casadei following Tuesday’s news.
Sky Sport Italia report that new Viola coach Raffaele Palladino are interested in exploring a loan deal for the U20 World Cup Golden Ball and Boot winner.
Other outlets have previously reported that Lazio and Bologna would also be interested in a deal for the Inter academy product if he were made available for a loan deal.
Fiorentina, piace Casadei del Chelsea: non è stato convocato per la tournée dai Blues#SkySport #SkySerieA #Casadei #Fiorentina #SkyCalciomercatohttps://t.co/uUIuoHAszx
— skysport (@SkySport) July 23, 2024
Former World Cup winner Francesco Graziani was one of the first to encourage Casadei to return to Serie A this summer to get his career back on track.
“Chelsea signed him because of his potential, thinking that they’d make a bargain for that fee, but it was not the case,” said the former Serie A star.
“I am sorry for the lad because when you leave Italy at such a young age, you often don’t have the courage to face certain situations. I hope he returns to Serie A and that some Italian clubs will be interested in him. He will develop much more here than at other European clubs.”
Click here to read everything Graziani said about Casadei.
Shame on Maresca! He brings the Seria A syndrome to the EPL!
Bravo Vittorio, anyway I’m looking forward to cheering Italian refs as they’ll be the only Italian’s involved in Seria anyone else
Italians are their own worst enemies when it comes tothe development of Italian footballers. Managers and higher ups are filth. They have ruined the skills and development of so many talented Italian footballers. Italian footballers should stay away from Serie A and Italian coaches… I no longer support or watch Serie A
… vergogna.