Chennaiyin FC retain Blasi

The former Roma, Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina midfielder joined Chennaiyin in 2015 after the expiry of his contract at Italian Serie B club AS Varese. Blasi went on to play a key role in Chennaiyin’s title success, making 13 appearances including starts in both legs of the semi-final against Atletico de Kolkata and the final with FC Goa. The midfielder, who was capped eight times for Italy at international level, brought a lot of solidity to Chennaiyin’s midfield with his tenacity and work rate and was also a very popular figure in the dressing room. 

The 35-year-old had a stint at Italian third tier outfit Ischia after ISL 2015 and is now joining Chennaiyin on a free transfer. Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi said he was delighted to have Blasi back. “Blasi’s class and experience was very important for us both on and off the field last year. He will have a big role to play this year also,” the coach added.