Casadei and Inter’s paths cross again after Chelsea move and Serie A return | OneFootball

All eyes will be on Cesare Casadei when Torino host Inter on Sunday, as the 22-year-old prepares to face his boyhood club for the first time since leaving for Chelsea in 2022.

While the fixture primarily holds weight in the Scudetto race, it will also carry emotional significance for the young midfielder, who came through the Nerazzurri’s youth ranks before being sold to Chelsea in a deal worth over €15 million, including add-ons.

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 06: Cesare Casadei of Torino runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Daniel Mosquera of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Torino and Verona at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on April 06, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Highly regarded within Inter’s academy, Casadei never made a senior appearance for the club, though his potential was clear from the outset.

His move to Stamford Bridge was seen as a sacrifice driven more by financial strategy than footballing logic, allowing Inter to register a substantial capital gain from a player with huge upside but limited top-level experience.

Casadei returns to face Inter after Chelsea spell and Serie A comeback

His early days at Chelsea were far from easy. After a stint in Premier League 2, Casadei was sent out on loan and struggled to break into a first team packed with midfielders.

His first real test came in the Championship with Reading in early 2023. Despite the team’s relegation battle, Casadei earned praise for his maturity and commitment, adapting quickly to the physical demands of English football.

A subsequent loan to Leicester City under Enzo Maresca saw him score a couple of key goals, but it wasn’t enough to alter his status at Chelsea when he returned to Stamford Bridge, as limited opportunities led to a permanent departure in January.

Cesare Casadei of Chelsea passes the ball during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Chelsea FC and KAA Gent at Stamford Bridge on October 03, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Now back in Italy with Torino, Casadei is looking to re-establish himself. A promising start under Paolo Vanoli has seen him earn regular minutes, with 12 appearances, one goal and one assist so far.

Sunday’s clash against Inter marks more than a return to familiar faces — it’s a reminder of the path he’s taken, as well as a chance to show his former side he’s matured and finally ready for Serie A.