Chelsea were controversially awarded a penalty during the first half of Wednesday night's clash against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League. Juan Jesus was adjudged to have committed a handball offence inside the Italian giants' box following a well-worked free-kick by Reece James and Enzo Fernandez.
Clément Turpin pointed to the spot as soon as the ball struck the Napoli defender's arm. Jérôme Brisard, the Video Assistant Referee, intervened and confirmed the on-field decision of a spot-kick.
Fernandez beat Alex Meret from 12-yards, breaking the deadlock at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. After a nervy opening quarter of an hour, the Argentina international fired Chelsea into the lead, scoring his 10th goal of the season.
Antonio Vergara pulled back an equaliser for Antonio Conte's side a few moments later, spinning past Wesley Fofana before finding the bottom corner.
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Speaking to reporters ahead of the marquee fixtures, Liam Rosenior showered Conte with praise. The Chelsea boss said: "Huge respect for him, firstly as a player, he was a magnificent footballer.
"He then went on to have an incredible and still has an incredible career as a coach. I think his passion as a player transmits to the passion in his teams and obviously when I was younger watching Chelsea play in the manner that they did, defensively so strong.
Enzo Fernandez and his Chelsea celebrate
Enzo Fernandez and his Chelsea celebrate after opening the scoring against Napoli (Image: Carl Recine - UEFA)
"[Eden] Hazard was incredible in those moments, and he's gone on to prove what an amazing manager he is and he's won many titles, including an incredible title here last year."
Napoli lost 3-0 to Juventus at the weekend. On the Italian giants' form, Rosenior said: "This is a very strong team. I think it would have been unfortunate in the recent games that they played.
"The results haven't followed the performances that Antonio's team have given. We know it's going to be a very difficult game in a very special atmosphere. It doesn't change my plans at all because I've been planning for a very difficult game."
Liam Rosenior is the coach of Chelsea during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match at Stadio Maradona in Naples, Italy, on January 27, 2026
Liam Rosenior was very complimentary of Antonio Conte and Napoli on Tuesday (Image: Ciro De Luca/NurPhoto)
Rosenior continued: "In football, in the Champions League, in Serie A, in the Premier League, you can never expect anything. The competition level is so high. Napoli are a great team.
"They proved that last year with a fantastic title. When they have outstanding individual players, they have a world-class coach. They're still in the position where they can get through.
"We're aware of that. I think it will make for an exciting game because Napoli have to win. Also, for us to have a realistic chance of the top eight, we also need to win."