Cesare Casadei: The Exciting Italian Midfield Star

Cesare Casadei is undoubtedly one of the exciting younger groups of Italian players along with Giorgo Scalvini and Riccardo Calafiori. His performances suggest he is the regen of a number of great Italian midfielders before him and the likes of Marco Verratti springs to mind.

Along with Kendry Paez and William Estevao, Casadei forms a part of Chelsea’s youthful core of prodigious talents which will surely excite fans and pundits alike. As Cesare Casadei continues to develop into a world-class talent, Footballers’ Biographies will bring you every adventure of the exciting Italian midfielder.

Player Profile – Cesare Casadei

Cesare Casadei started his football career in local clubs before moving to AC Cesena’s youth academy and currently plays for Chelsea Football Club in London.

Casadei has made his mark internationally, contributing to Italy’s Under-19 team and helping them secure the 2022 European Under-19 Championship title.

He is also the winner of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot that took place in Argentina, finishing the tournament with an impressive 7 goals in 7 matches including 2 assists.

Player Profile Overview

Cesare Casadei’s Early Life and Background

Cesare Casadei was born on January 10, 2003, in Ravenna, Italy. Growing up in a middle-class household of 5, he was raised by his parents, Elena and Davide, who ran a piadina kiosk at the Milano Marittima canal.

Casadei grew up playing with his elder brothers Edoardo and Ettore Casasder and he developed a passion for football at a young age and began playing for local clubs, displaying exceptional talent.

His dedication and skill caught the attention of scouts, leading to his eventual move to AC Cesena’s youth academy, where he honed his abilities before making a significant impact in Italian football.

Cesare Casadei’s Playing Style and Strength

Cesare Casadei is a dynamic midfielder known for his intelligent late runs into the box, strong aerial presence, and technical proficiency.

His play is characterized by effective ball progression, adept passing, and versatile positioning. Casadei combines his physical attributes, including height and strength.

He has a keen understanding of space, allowing him to contribute significantly in both defensive and offensive situations.

Although he primarily plays as a right-sided central midfielder, he excels in both attacking and defensive roles and can play as part of a 3-man midfield or a 4-man midfield.

Cesare Casadei’s Career Highlights

Casadei began his football career at Cervia before moving to Cesena. In 2018, after Cesena went bankrupt, he transferred to Inter Milan. There, he quickly advanced through the youth ranks, winning a national Under-17 championship in 2019 and joining the Under-19 squad at just seventeen.

In October 2021, he was named in The Guardian’s “Next Generation” list of top prospects born in 2003. The following year, Casadei received his first call-ups to Inter’s first team and helped the U19 squad win the Campionato Primavera 1.

Cesare Casadei’s Adventures in England

Cesare Casadei joined London side, Chelsea from Inter Milan on a six-year contract in the summer of 2022, despite his huge talents he was moved to Chelsea’s U21 side.

Casadei made his debut for the U21 team against Sutton United, but the Italian was sent off in the 1–0 EFL Trophy loss in that match.

However, he quickly made an impact, scoring a goal in his Premier League 2 debut against Everton U21. Cesare Casadei scored a stunning long-distance goal in a 4–2 victory over Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy.

The eye-catching goal was later named Chelsea’s Goal of the Month. He netted five goals in 13 appearances for Chelsea U21 across all competitions.

Loan Moves to Reading and Leicester City

Cesare Casadei was loaned to Reading for the second half of the 2022-23 season. He made his professional debut on February 4 in a 2–2 draw with Watford and scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 loss to Blackburn Rovers.

During his stint there, he made 15 appearances scoring one goal. The Italian’s performances were not enough as Reading was relegated to EFL League One at the end of the season.

Cesare Casadei was on the move again on loan to the Championship to play for Leicester City for the 2023-24 EFL season. The Italian made a scoring debut with the decisive goal in a 2–1 win over Cardiff City.

He went on to play 22 times for the Foxes, scoring two goals. However, his loan spell was cut short as Chelsea recalled him to the club due to injury crises in the attacking department.

Casadei made his Premier League debut as a substitute for Cole Palmer in the 4-1 away loss. Although he was recalled to Chelsea, Casadei received a Championship Winners medal for the matches he played with the Foxes.

Cesare Casadei’s International Career

Cesare Casadei’s international career has seen him play for only the Italian national youth sides. He has played for Italy across various youth levels, from Under-16 to Under-21. Impressively, he has managed to score for all the national youth sides from midfield.

Casadei was part of the squad for the UEFA U19 European Championship, where Italy reached the semi-finals and he made his U21 debut in a 4–2 friendly loss to Germany. The Chelsea star was invited to participate in a training camp for Italy’s senior team by Roberto Mancini.

The Best Player and Golden Boot Winner

Cesare Casadei was included in the squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, where Italy reached the final. He put in a string of impressive performances and he was awarded both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot as the tournament’s best player and top scorer with seven goals and provided two assists in the tournament.

Comparison with Other Football Greats

Cesare Casadei’s playing style is often compared to that of a young Marco Verratti or a more dynamic version of Andrea Pirlo. Like Verratti, Casadei exhibits excellent vision, passing accuracy, and control in midfield.

He shares Pirlo’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his knack for arriving in the box to score. Casadei combines these traits with a physical presence and energy that adds a bit more dynamism to his play.

Inspiration and Idols

Cesare Casadei has named Javier Zanetti as his idol, whom he admires for his charisma, strength, and versatility on the field. Casadei is also influenced by Sergej Milinković-Savić for his playing style, as well as Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella for his intensity and Marcelo Brozović for his calmness with the ball.

Personal Life and Interest

Cesare Casadei, the Italian football talent, is deeply connected to his humble beginnings and family, often reminiscing about their family-run piadina kiosk.

He is known for his discipline and determination, he once walked 22 kilometres in the rain as self-punishment for a poor school grade.

Growing up in the seaside town of Cervia, he enjoys seaside getaways, particularly Formentera in Spain’s Balearic Islands.

Cesare Casadei’s parents, Elena Casadei, his mother and Davide Casadei, his father, are businesspersons who ran a middle-class household, running a piadina kiosk at the Milano Marittima canal.

Conclusion

Although his career with Chelsea may not have allowed him to display his talents with limited opportunities, his performances and double win at the FIFA U2o World Cup suggest he is the real deal. At such a young age, there is still time for Casadei to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge and in the world of football.