Chelsea lose to Fiorentina in final pre-season tie

The paucity of Chelsea's striking options was once again laid bare on Wednesday as they finished their pre-season preparations with a lacklustre 1-0 loss at home to Fiorentina

London: The paucity of Chelsea's striking options was once again laid bare on Wednesday as they finished their pre-season preparations with a lacklustre 1-0 loss at home to Fiorentina.


Fiorentina celebrate a goal against Chelsea. Pic/AFP 

Visiting captain Gonzalo Rodriguez bundled in the only goal in the 34th minute at Stamford Bridge and with Diego Costa once again absent due to hamstring trouble, Jose Mourinho's side toiled in attack as they went a fifth consecutive game without victory.

Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy squandered another chance to prove themselves as understudies for the absent Costa, leaving Mourinho with food for thought ahead of the start of his side's Premier League title defence at home to Swansea City on Saturday.

"We have the real football on Saturday and competitive minutes against a good team, gave us a very good training session," said Mourinho.

Diego Costa doubtful
Asked if Costa would be fit to face Swansea, Mourinho replied: "I don't know. I don't risk to say yes, but I also don't risk to say no."

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