Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has disclosed that Cesare Casadei is set to feature regularly in the Europa Conference League.
The Italy Under-21 international was initially out of favor in the senior squad over the summer, with expectations of a potential sale or loan move.
However, with no suitable offers forthcoming, Casadei has been reintegrated into the first-team setup.
In the absence of Romeo Lavia due to injury last week, Casadei played the entirety of the match as Chelsea defeated Barrow in the EFL Cup third round.
Lavia is also expected to miss Europa Conference League fixtures until at least February as Maresca looks to carefully manage the Belgian international’s fitness following an extended absence in the previous season.
In a pre-match press conference before the game against Gent, Maresca hinted that Casadei would have the chance to showcase his skills in a new defensive midfield role, different from his usual position in the midfield.
The Italian coach commented on his compatriot’s performance against Barrow, saying, “I think Cesare did very well in that game. He struggled at the beginning, but at the end, he finished very well. We can see Cesare there again, for sure.”
Maresca continued, “The idea, I think, he can cover different things. Physical things, he can pass, on the ball, off the ball, understanding how he has to move, he can give us good things. I was happy the other day and, for sure, we are going to see him again in that position.”
In a hefty €20m transfer in 2022, Casadei needs playing time at Chelsea, even if it means featuring in Europa Conference League matches rather than the Premier League.
With only 71 minutes across 11 substitute appearances in the second half of the previous season, Casadei lacks experience in top-flight league matches.
