Italian reports suggest former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca met with Napoli this week and is open to the job, but would give Manchester City his preference.
Maresca was already back in the news because Chelsea fired his replacement, Liam Rosenior, today just four months after he was dismissed on January 1.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Italian has no intention of going back to Stamford Bridge, and is working on his next job for the 2026-27 campaign.
Maresca caught between Napoli and Manchester City
COBHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea FC looks on during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on December 08, 2025 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
It is reported he had a meeting in London over the last few days with representatives of Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
This was a positive encounter, Maresca seemingly confirming he would be ready to accept the job if Antonio Conte walks away this summer.
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli SSC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and SSC Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
However, if Manchester City were to step forward with a proposal, then Maresca would give them the priority because of his history with the club.
He was the assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2022-23, before that acting as coach of their Under-23 squad.
His only previous Serie A coaching role was at Parma for just 14 games in 2021.