Chelsea fans lose their minds over ‘Italian Ballack’ as Blues youngster is named World Cup U20 player of the tournament
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CHELSEA fans have been losing their minds over club prodigy Cesare Casadei.
That’s after the “Italian Michael Ballack” won the U20 World Cup’s Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards.
Casadei, 20, joined Chelsea from Inter Milan in a £17million transfer last summer.
He did not make a senior appearance before joining Reading on loan in January.
But Casadei has caught the attention of Blues supporters after enjoying a stunning tournament with Italy’s U20s.
The Azzurrini suffered a heartbreaking defeat in yesterday’s final against Uruguay, losing to an 86th strike from Luciano Rodriguez.
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However, midfield ace Casadei went home with the U20 World Cup’s top individual awards.
His seven strikes saw him receive the Golden Boot award, with Casadei two goals clear of Brazilian runner-up Marcos Leonardo.
And a further two assists also helped Casadei see off Uruguay’s Alan Matturro to the Golden Ball award – handed to the best player of the tournament.
Chelsea fans are now desperate to see him involved under Mauricio Pochettino, having already given Casadei their seal of approval to replace Manchester United target Mason Mount.
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And some supporters reckon he can be Chelsea’s “Italian Ballack.”
The German legend scored 26 goals in four seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning a title and three FA Cups in the process.
Ballack was beloved for his physical and technical prowess in the heart of midfield.
And Blues fans are hopeful Casadei can prove to be his successor.
One simply said: “The Italian Ballack.”
Another declared: “What an incredible tournament he had, congrats to him for a great accomplishment.”
One noted: “Needs to get a fair chance in pre-season because he’s phenomenal.”
Another added: “He carried the U20s team. Special, special talent.”
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