Chelsea's final pre-season fixture ended in defeat as they were beaten 1-0 at home to Fiorentina in the International Champions Trophy this evening, courtesy of Gonzalo Rodriguez's first-half finish.
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Fiorentina pushed for an opener from the off and Asmir Begovic was called into some early action as he had to keep out a strong effort from Matias Fernandez down low.
Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek appeared out to impress Jose Mourinho and he came close not too long after with a skilful effort that was blocked smartly by Facundo Roncaglia.
The home side looked to gain control of the game, but they were dealt a major blow in the 34th minute when Rodriguez stabbed home past Begovic, having reacted well from Marcos Alonso's saved effort.
Mourinho's men might have found an equaliser before the break when Fiorentina keeper Luigi Sepe was sent a poor back-pass, but the stopper recovered well to prevent Radamel Falcao capitalising from close range.
Chelsea began the second period brightly and Oscar sent an impressive cross in to Gary Cahill, only for the defender to head wide of the target.
Fiorentina continued to attack despite holding a lead and they almost doubled it through Josip Ilicic, who saw his long-range effort bend just a few inches wide of the post.
Perhaps Chelsea's best chance of the game arrived just under 20 minutes from time, when Cahill was wasteful again having shot straight at Sepe from the middle of the area.
Mourinho sensed that a goal was still in the offing as he sent on Loic Remy, although the French frontman wasted a clear-cut chance late on to seal a draw as he sliced wide of an on-rushing Sepi.
Christopher Dodd
