The Blues flew out of the blocks, with Eden Hazard and Oscar both scoring inside the opening 10 minutes with goals of the highest quality. Our former striker, Claudio Pizarro, reduced the home side’s deficit from the penalty spot but the impressive Diego Costa made it 3-1 on the stroke of the break following fine work by Hazard.

The lead was cut once again midway through the second half but substitute Pedro completed the scoring with the last action of the match.

‘It was a good victory,’ said Conte. ‘We’ve finished our pre-season, it was very tough and hard in all aspects and we must be pleased to finish with a win.

‘It’s important to win for confidence ahead of the start of the season. The team started the game in the right way and with the right intensity. There were some bad situations to concede two goals which I didn’t like, we must improve a lot, but we were tired after our pre-season.

‘We are working very hard to be ready. It will be difficult. We know we have some problems but we are trying to solve them.

‘I am pleased with the attitude and behaviour of my players. It’s been good and now all of the players need a rest.’

In just over a week Conte will take charge of his first competitive Chelsea match. He assessed what must be done on the training pitches at Cobham in the intervening time.

‘Today I saw some situations that we are trying during the training session. I want to play with high intensity, to win the ball back very soon after we lose it, to attack with the right balance.

‘I saw positive things and many situations that we can improve. We are working on this. Now remains one week of work before the season starts.’