The final weekend of the season in Italy saw winning conclusions and European qualification secured for both Victor Moses and Davide Zappacosta.
Moses made his 17th appearance of the season for Antonio Conte’s Inter as a late substitute away at Atalanta in a meeting between two teams already assured of Champions League qualification.
With Juventus having sealed the Serie A title, it was a battle for the runners-up spot in Bergamo, with former Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic among the starters for Atalanta, who came into the game on a 19-match unbeaten run.
The result rarely looked in doubt from the moment Inter struck the opener inside two minutes. Ashley Young doubled the lead later in the first half to secure a 2-0 victory, with Moses introduced for the final few moments. Inter will be back in action on Wednesday in the Europa League when they take on Getafe.
Meanwhile, Davide Zappacosta played the duration as Roma defeated the newly-crowned champions Juventus in Turin. Gonzalo Higuain struck first for Maurizio Sarri’s side but they were soon pegged back and lost 3-1. The victory means Roma finish fifth, securing Europa League qualification for next term.
They are also back in continental competition this week when they take on Sevilla in their Europa League last-16 tie.
In Turkey, Eddie Newton - the man who formerly oversaw our loans operation from Cobham - helped Trabzonspor to domestic cup glory in midweek. The former Blues player and coach was appointed caretaker boss last month and helped guide the club to a 2-0 victory over Alanyaspor in the Turkish Cup final. He has subsequently been appointed the club’s permanent manager, his first full-time role as a boss.
-In other news, Academy goalkeeper Nicolas Tie has joined Vitoria in the Portuguese top flight on a permanent transfer. The 19-year-old Frenchman joined Chelsea three years ago and has played three times for our development squad this season. We thank Nicolas for his service and wish him all the best in his future career.