Official: Chelsea hire Italian coach Maresca

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Italian tactician Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.

Former Serie A and Italy midfielder Enzo Maresca has been appointed as the new Chelsea head coach, the Blues confirmed with an official statement on Monday.

“The Italian will begin his new role on 1 July 2024 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year,” the Blues said in an official statement.

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.

Official: Chelsea hire Italian coach Maresca

“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”

Maresca has just led Leicester City to a Premier League promotion and will reunite with Italy starlet Cesare Casadei at Stamford Bridge.

Casadei, a former Inter midfielder at a youth level, scored three goals and provided two assists in 25 appearances under his compatriot at the King Power Stadium in the first part of 2023-24 before Chelsea called him back during the January transfer window.

Maresca made 167 appearances as a footballer in Serie A, scoring 21 goals and providing 16 assists.

He played for Bologna, Juventus, Piacenza, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Palermo and Hellas Verona.

The 44-year-old was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and contributed to the Citizens’ Champions League win in 2023 when they beat Inter in a Final in Istanbul.

Maresca is the seventh Italian coach to be appointed by Chelsea.