Antonio Conte joins Chelsea: New head coach's first game in charge set to be against Liverpool

The Italian's skills will be tested against Jurgen Klopp's side in a Pasadena pre-season friendly

Incoming Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte (Getty)

Antonio Conte’s first game as Chelsea head coach is scheduled to be against rivals Liverpool.

The west London club will face their Premier League counterparts in a pre-season friendly as part of the International Champions Cup.

Conte’s skills are set to be put to the test for the first time at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on 27 July.

His meeting with Jurgen Klopp’s side, who will also be embarking upon a first full season under a new coach, will be followed by two further friendlies against Real Madrid and Milan.

Although Conte has never faced Liverpool over the course of his decade-long managerial career, he will be coming up against familiar opponents in the other two opening fixtures.

The Italian’s Juventus side were drawn against Real Madrid during the 2013/14 Champions League group stage, losing the away fixture and claiming a 2-2 draw at home.

Conte’s Bianconeri came up against Milan nine times during his three-year spell with the club, winning six, drawing two and losing just once against their Serie A rivals.