Chelsea news: Antonio Conte believes Roma should applaud Antonio Rudiger

ANTONIO Conte says he does not know whether Antonio Rudiger will face a repeat of the racist abuse directed his way by Roma supporters two weeks ago.

Antonio RudigerGETTY

Antonio Rudiger was subject to racist chants by Roma supporters

But the Chelsea head coach insists the defender should be greeted with applause when he returns to the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.

Conte’s side face the Italians after the 3-3 draw in the first meeting between the clubs at Stamford Bridge was overshadowed by allegations of racist chants by the visiting supporters.

Uefa have charged Roma and the matter will be dealt with by the governing body on November 16.

Asked if there was a risk Rudiger could again be targeted, Conte said: “I don’t know, I don’t know. I think Roma supporters are very passionate.

“In this case, I think that Rudiger played for Roma for many years and he deserves to have claps. But I repeat, Roma’s fans are very passionate, during the game you feel this.”

Moment Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi CRASHES into goal post

In this case, I think that Rudiger played for Roma for many years and he deserves to have claps. But I repeat, Roma’s fans are very passionate, during the game you feel this

Antonio Conte

German international Rudiger highlighted the issue of racist abuse in Italian football before he made a £29 million summer switch to Chelsea, and called on Fifa to intervene.

The defender insists, though, he is happy to heading back to Rome and says he knew the Champions League draw was destined to pair the two clubs.

“I spoke to my parents (after the draw) and I already knew and my parents even told me that you will get Roma,” said Rudiger. “I am happy to go on Monday to Rome, to go there and play against my old team because I have a big respect.

“I had two wonderful years there with ups and downs with injuries. They were standing always behind me; the players, the team, the board and the fans. I appreciate that. Now I am at Chelsea and I am very happy with that.”

Antonio ConteGETTY

Antonio Conte described the Roma fans as passionate

On Saturday evening, Eden Hazard’s 51st minute goal was enough to beat a struggling Bournemouth who are battling to get out of the bottom three.

Bournemouth’s former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake said: “Individual quality from Hazard changed the game. He is massive player for them. He is up there with people like Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero, for sure.

“He is different to Kane, really difficult to mark and he can be running everywhere on the pitch. He is just a really good player. He showed his quality.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said: “We need to be very brave in our approach and have no doubts about how good we are.

“When you are in this League and you lose games, there can be a feeling that the easy thing to do is fall into a trap and become defensive. We have never been that kind of team and I will not allow us to become that kind of team. It is very important we play to our strengths.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?