BLUES ON
Fulham v Hull ...................................................... Vanarama Nth: SPEEDWAY SGB Premiership: SGB Championship:
CHELSEA’S return to the Champions League saw Stamford Bridge treated to a stunning goal from Davide Zappacosta.
How the Italian scored from 30 yards out on the right touchline only he really knows, but it was a strike to remember.
There seemed no danger in the 30th minute as he burst down, but when the £23m signing from Torino connected with the ball it flew across goalwards.
It may have been meant as a cross, but the sheer power saw it whizz over keeper Ibrahim Sehic and flash into the net.
Boss Antonio Conte was thrilled on the touchline and so was his fellow Italian after his first goal for the Blues.
In their debut game in the Champions League group stage, Azerbaijan side Qarabag really were hit for six at the home of the champions of England.
Marcos Alonso was on target in the fourth minute with a shot Sahic beat away, then a minute later the west Londoners went ahead.
Following a corner from Cesc Fabregas, Willian strode in from the right and, unmarked, smacked a curler which Sehic could only claw into the net.
Willian had a goalbound effort tipped away by Sahic and when Michy Batshauyi missed the target with the follow-up Conte did not look best pleased.
Pedro Henrique was on target in the 37th minute for Qarabag after cutting onto his left foot, but Thibaut Courtois was able to gather easily.
Chilly
Home fans amused themselves, by shouting “shoot!” every time Italy international Zappacosta received the ball out wide following his goal.
On a chilly night, Conte wore a coat and a blue baseball cap, but, typically, with his men 2-0 up and looking in complete control, he still did not look relaxed. He did seem a bit more chilled,