Maresca snubs Serie A return to replace Guardiola at Man City – report | OneFootball

Multiple sources claim that Italian tactician Enzo Maresca has reached a principle of agreement with Manchester City to replace Pep Guardiola.

Former Chelsea coach Maresca is set to return to Manchester City to replace Guardiola in the 2026-27 campaign.

According to TalkSport, the two parties have reached a principle of agreement over a three-year deal.

Maresca set to sign three-year deal at Man City

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Enzo Maresca head coach of Chelsea FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Chelsea FC at Stadio di Bergamo on December 09, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

According to the report, Maresca has turned down approaches from Serie A, La Liga and other Premier League clubs.

Back in March, Italian sources claimed that Fiorentina director Fabio Paratici had offered Maresca the job at the Stadio Franchi, but the ex-Chelsea boss was already hoping to replace Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

A former Guardiola assistant at Manchester City, Maresca left Chelsea by mutual consent on January 1, 2026, after winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup with the Blues.

La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Manchester City will soon announce Guardiola’s departure and Maresca’s appointment.

Maresca seems to have already identified a potential reinforcement for Manchester City in Serie A, as Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra is said to be among the Citizens’ targets for the 2026-27 campaign.