Chelsea is not selling Roberto Di Matteo as rumoured, writes PAUL LAGAN.
Managing director Colin Hutchinson confirmed that the Italian midfielder is going nowhere.
Rumours had linked Di Matteo with Italian Series A side Fiorentina in a £5m bid.
But Hutchinson poured scorn on the story: "Robbie is not for sale," he said.
"It's complete nonsense. I have had no inquiries and no approach from Fiorentina.
"The only talks I had were with Lazio when we bought Pierluigi Casiraghi from them.
"Their president Graniotti asked if we would sell Robbie to them. I said `no'. He persisted, asking me to put a price on him. I refused."
Hutchinson added that Chelsea was intent on building a squad - not dismantling one.
This Saturday, Chelsea play their first pre-season game against Kingstonian at Kingsmeadow.
This has become an annual fixture ever since the reserves started playing their home matches at the New Malden ground.
But don't expect to see any of the World Cup stars, they are still on holiday and will start their training later this month.
However, there should be the prospect of watching Vialli and Zola in action for some of the time.
One new addition to the backroom staff is Antonio Pintus.
He could turn out to be Chelsea's best summer signing.
He comes from Juventus to be Chelsea head fitness and conditioning coach.
Ade Mafe, employed by Ruud Gullit, will be his assistant.
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