FFT.com's Gregg Davies checks in with another helping of life on tour with Chelsea...
Full-time in Rome: 10-8.
Not Tuesday nightâÂÂs Champions League showdown between Chelsea and Roma; it was, in fact, the final score between Chelsea and England captain John Terry and the Bluesâ assistant coach Ray Wilkins at keepy-uppies during the teamâÂÂs training session in Rome on Monday evening.
The former AC Milan midfielderâÂÂs narrow success captivated the gazing press corps and sponsors in the deserted 70,000 all-seater stadium during the London sideâÂÂs pre-match practice, with the brief bout visibly increasing in tension as it reached a dramatic climax.
Butch and JT square off
An empty Stadio Olimpico with floodlights beaming down upon the pitch proved a serene setting for this correspondent, taking time out to marvel at the surroundings while the sound of balls crashing against advertising hoardings echoed around the arena.
Down on the playing surface ChelseaâÂÂs players were in a relaxed mood, taking turns to blast balls at stand-in goalkeepers Didier Drogba and John Terry, with the latter making one flying fingertip stop that would have made Petr Cech doff his skull-cap.
Terry does his best Cech impression
It turned out to be less than alright on the night, but if all goes to plan, the Blues will be returning to Rome on May 27 2009 for the Champions League final, attempting to set the record straight following last seasonâÂÂs penalty shootout pain against Manchester United in Moscow.
Only a two-hour flight from the UK, RomeâÂÂs barely more than a hop, skip and jump from Blighty compared to the travel tantrums endured reaching the Russian capital last May.
And judging by the four-hour-long tour around the city I experienced on Monday afternoon, taking in the Vatican City, Colosseum and Trevi Fountain along the way, fans can look forward to a mini-break away in the one of the most picturesque places on the planet.
Just donâÂÂt say I didnâÂÂt warn you about the trafficâ¦
FourFourTwo.com travelled to Rome with Samsung, as part of their Behind The Scenes initiative. Find out more at SamsungFootball.co.uk
