Stamford Bridge began to look more like an easy away day than the formidable fortress it once was at points last season.

Teams were travelling to the under-performing west Londoners' back yard expecting to come away with something - a statement almost unthinkable in seasons past where anybody would be lucky to hit the back of the net, let alone walk away with three points.

The stormy cloud that Jose Mourinho left looming over the Bridge began to clear slightly with the arrival of Guus Hiddink mid-way through the season, however, a gloomy lull still hung over the Blues for the remainder of their campaign as they struggled to produce the kind of performances that had seen them crowned champions only a year previous.

While results improved, chins were still visibly on the floor and more so than ever before the Chelsea cohort looked relieved for the season to be over. A 10th place finish and out of all cup competitions was their 'reward'.

Could it be time the for those clouds to part now though? The charisma and passion shown by Italy and incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte during the EUROs this summer has excited the Blues' fans, while Premier League fanatics and pundits alike understandably anxious to see his impact in England next season.

His current Italy side were given plenty of stick before the European Championship, but the former Juventus coach has proven his doubters wrong and taken the ‘worst squad in Italian football history’ and turned them into potential victors.

Can he do the same at Chelsea? FFC thinks that the intoxicating Italian can work his magic on these FIVE current Chelsea men to help turn the club's fortunes back around...

Nemanja Matic

matic

Matic - while undoubtedly having had a poor season - was a victim of the Mourinho/Chelsea fall-out. Heavily, and publicly, criticised by the Portuguese manager, Matic’s form only continued to dive.

Conte is a huge fan of utilising defensive midfielders, and re-installing the confidence Matic had in his first season back at Chelsea would be a huge boost for the club.

Gary Cahill

Football Soccer - Maccabi Tel Aviv v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group G - Sammy Ofer Stadium, Haifa, Israel - 24/11/15 Chelsea's Gary Cahill applauds the fans after the match Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Of all the problems last campaign, the stand-out issue was Chelsea’s defence. Maybe that it is why Antonio Conte seemed the logical choice as manager - a man famed for his organisation and acute tactical awareness.

The Blues lacked organisation at the back throughout last season, and - albeit injuries didn't help - never seemed able to find a consistent line up. The Italian may set up a back three much like he has done at Juve and Italy, making Englishman Cahill the heart of it.

Eden Hazard

Hazard

Already looking somewhat back to his best - Chelsea need the Eden Hazard of previous seasons back if they are to mount a substantial title challenge next season.

Antonio Conte is known as a brilliant man manager and has a proven record of getting the best out of his young stars - none more so than Paul Pogba at Juventus. If he can give Hazard the same sense of responsibility and belief, he will do the same with the Belgium international.

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Victor Moses

Victor Moses (centre)

The chronic loan star at Chelsea, Moses can count himself unfortunate not to be have given more opportunities at the Bridge.

After what was a terrific first season in which he scored 10 goals in helping the Blues lift the Europa League title, the Nigerian has spent the past three years out on loan. He has failed to produce the same kind of form, but given some confidence he certainly has the ability to do well. Positive, strong and skilful, Moses could be Chelsea’s answer to Italy and Conte’s Emanuele Giaccherini.

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Loic Remy

Football - Stoke City v Chelsea - Capital One Cup Fourth Round - Britannia Stadium - 27/10/15 Loic Remy celebrates scoring the first goal for Chelsea Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further deta

If we presume that Chelsea will either be adopting a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation next season, it means in either case that the Blues will presumably play with two up front.

Remy has struggled for game time in a Chelsea side that usually play one up top, but could be given more of a chance to shine next season. The Blues are reportedly close to sealing the signature of Michy Batshuayi, which may not be so encouraging for the Frenchman, but Remy may be able to prove his worth under new management and fight for a starting spot come pre-season.

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