Chelsea’s recent trip to Italy will largely be seen as a time the first team would like to forget after their away woes in the Champions League continued.
They fell to a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, putting their chances of automatically qualifying for the Round of 16 in major doubt with just two group stage games remaining.
Chelsea are without an away Champions League win since 2022, and this is something that Enzo Maresca will need to address quickly if he is to keep supporters on board.
A 12-year run snapped by Atalanta…
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Before the Blues took to the pitch, their Under 19s faced the same opposition in their final UEFA Youth League group stage game, however experienced a different result.
Atalanta BC v Chelsea FC - UEFA Youth League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jesse Derry scores two more goals for Chelsea as youngsters win in UEFA Youth League
The youngsters won 3-1, with Reggie Walsh finding the net, as well as Jesse Derry’s brace adding to his impressive tally for the season.
The 18-year-old now has 10 goals in all competitions this season, as well as two assists in less than 900 minutes of action.
His strong form since joining from Crystal Palace has also allowed him the opportunity to star on the international stage.
Derry scored a hat-trick for England’s U19s this season, putting in highlight performances despite the presence of Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman.
Chelsea's Jesse Derry playing for England Under-19s
Photo by Alius Koroliovas – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca played big part in Derry’s move to Chelsea
As Maresca’s first team stars continued to show signs of fatigue, he may have been looking to the academy players to see if anyone is ready to make an impact on the big stage.
The winger is leading the way as far as youngsters go, and he already has an affection for the manager from when he joined the club.
Derry’s father stated that he chose Chelsea because of Maresca, and the pathway he has provided for young players since he took over as manager.
The Italian may be tempted to turn to players like Derry, Walsh and Shumaira Mheuka as the fixtures continue to pile up before the end of 2025.
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