Emma Hayes’ Double winning Chelsea side make their eagerly awaited return to action with a pre-season fixture against Italian champions A.S. Roma at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.

The Blues emerged from the 2022/23 season with the league and cup double after securing their fourth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May, complemented by a third straight FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

Preparations for the 2023/24 campaign are well underway and several of our World Cup Blues have been reunited at Cobham, where they are joined by some new faces as our summer signings continue to settle into their new surroundings.

A competitive fixture against Italian champions A.S. Roma on Sunday comes before the squad depart for a training camp in Portugal next week, where the focus turns to our opening Women’s Super League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 1 October.

When and where?

We welcome A.S. Roma to Kingsmeadow for a pre-season fixture this Sunday 3 September, with kick-off scheduled for 8.00pm (UK time).

How to follow

As always, you can follow the game via Chelsea Women’s social media channels. There will be live commentary on our Twitter page and regular updates on Facebook and Instagram. Simply search ‘ChelseaFCW’ on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Supporters who cannot attend will be able to watch the match which will be streamed live via the club website and the Chelsea FC official app.

The form

It was a hugely successful season for the Blues last time out where we added a fourth consecutive WSL title and a third FA Cup triumph on the domestic stage, while also reaching the final of the FA Continental Tyres League Cup and the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Our opponents, A.S. Roma, enjoyed a fine season of their own during 2022/23. They arrive in London as the reigning champions of Italy having clinched their first league title last time out. In Europe, they reached the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Notice for supporters on VAR pilot

VAR will be trialed for the first time at a Barclays Women’s Super League stadium for our friendly match against A.S. Roma at Kingsmeadow on Sunday.

This pilot forms part of ongoing work to prepare officials and clubs for its use should the implementation of VAR be considered in the future across the women’s domestic leagues.

Next up for the Blues

After our meeting with Roma, the Blues will continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Portugal next week, where the focus turns to our opening WSL fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 1 October, with kick-off at 5.30pm (UK time).

Mark your calendars with the return of the Women’s Super League in October. Click here to view our ticket bundles and find out how to secure your seats for 2023/24!