It is a thrilling prospect for our new head coach, who took charge of the Blues just over a month ago. He has had to bide his time but tomorrow the great Inter Milan – from his homeland of Italy – will be in town.

It is quite some fixture to usher in a new era in west London.

‘I’m very excited,’ enthused Maresca in the build-up to the game. ‘Finally, we are at home and with our fans and we need them throughout the season.

You can be at Maresca's first game in charge at the Bridge!

'They are going to be very important for us and the players because in these moments we need support. We are going to enjoy it together.'

The Blues head coach added: ‘I always try to build a good relationship with the supporters, especially because when we are at home they can be the twelfth player for us.

‘We need them pushing and behind us. We will try to do our best to help them enjoy the game and share the joy.

Standing in front of Maresca and a first win in SW6 are the side crowned Italy’s best in 2023/24.

It is another stern test for the Blues following friendlies in the USA against last season's Scottish champions, the Mexican champions, the Premier League champions, and the reigning La Liga and Champions League winners.

And Maresca is looking forward to seeing how his developing side fair against the challenge of playing such experienced opposition.

He said: ‘Inter are a very good team. Two years ago they played in the Champions League final and last season they won the Serie A title.

‘They have had the same manager for a long time now and you can see they play fantastic football, offensively and defensively. It will be a tough game, our last game before we start the season, so we want to give our best.’