Zola warns Fiorentina: Chelsea ‘won’t underestimate’ Conference League | OneFootball

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola warns Fiorentina that Chelsea won’t underestimate the Conference League but wishes the Tuscans to win the trophy after losing two consecutive Finals.

The Conference League group phase begins today with Fiorentina hosting The New Saints at the Stadio Franchi and Chelsea meeting Gent at Stamford Bridge.

Fiorentina and Chelsea are the clear favourites to win the competition this season, even if the Tuscans have had a rough start to the Serie A campaign.

Zola warns Fiorentina: Chelsea ‘won’t underestimate’ Conference League

“It’s a well-structured club, and Viola Park is excellent,” Zola told Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, on page 26.

“I have had the pleasure of visiting it in the past. They work well, and I wish this is the right year to win it after two consecutive finals.”

Magic Box sees Fiorentina and Chelsea meeting in the Final at the end of the season.

“It would be a fantastic game and winning would be even more meaningful for La Viola. The presence of a team among the top 20 in Europe increases the value of the competition,” he said.

“Chelsea will never underestimate the Conference League because they have a deep, quality team. After a tough period, winning this competition would be essential.”

The Blues hired former Italian midfielder Enzo Maresca as their new head coach last summer, and the results have been encouraging: The Blues have 13 points in six Premier League matches.

“The team plays well, regardless of the results,” said Zola.

“They have an identity, and some young players, starting with Cole Palmer, are doing well. Cesare Casadei hasn’t had much space yet but he has excellent skills and will find space.”

The Italian midfielder is expected to start for Chelsea this evening in the middle of the park. A product of Inter‘s Academy, Casadei started for the first time for Chelsea in an EFL Cup match against Barrow in September.