Enzo Maresca: Serie A Interest and Manchester City Return on the Horizon
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is attracting attention from clubs across Europe, with reports suggesting interest from both Fiorentina in Serie A and a potential return to Manchester City. The 46-year-old Italian is currently without a club following his departure from Chelsea in January 2026, and his next move is the subject of increasing speculation.
Fiorentina’s Approach
According to tuttomercatoweb.com, Fiorentina has initiated contact with Maresca to explore the possibility of a collaboration starting next season. However, Maresca is reportedly prioritizing opportunities at top clubs, potentially diminishing Fiorentina’s chances, as they are currently 16th in Serie A and battling relegation as of March 22, 2026.
Manchester City as the Frontrunner
The prevailing expectation is that Maresca is favored to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City should the current manager step down at the conclude of the season. Maresca previously served as an assistant coach under Guardiola at City, gaining valuable experience within the club’s system. Manchester City’s official website highlights Maresca’s successful stint as lead coach of the Elite Development Squad in 2020-21, where he guided the team to their first-ever Premier League 2 title.
Maresca’s Playing and Managerial Career
Enzo Maresca had a distinguished playing career, beginning with West Bromwich Albion in 1998. As detailed in his Wikipedia profile, he went on to play for Juventus, Sevilla (winning the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and twice the UEFA Cup), Olympiacos, Málaga, Sampdoria, Palermo (winning Serie B), and Hellas Verona. He represented Italy at various youth levels, including the U-21 team.
Maresca transitioned into management after retiring as a player, starting as an assistant coach with Ascoli in 2017. He later returned to Manchester City as part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff before taking on managerial roles at Parma and Chelsea.
Chelsea Departure and Future Prospects
Maresca’s departure from Chelsea was marked by reports of disagreements with club management, particularly regarding transfer policy and medical staff, as reported by footballtransfers.com. He had also informed Chelsea of discussions with Manchester City regarding potentially replacing Guardiola, a move that was viewed as unprofessional by the club. Despite interest from other clubs, including Juventus and Napoli, Maresca appears to be prioritizing a return to the Etihad Stadium.
As of March 22, 2026, Maresca remains a highly sought-after managerial talent, with his future likely to be determined by Guardiola’s decision at Manchester City.