Maresca has Italy World Cup hope: ‘Otherwise, they’ll make fun of us’ | OneFootball

Former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca hopes Italy will qualify for the 2026 World Cup: ‘Otherwise, they’ll make fun of us even more abroad.’

The Italian tactician was in Florence on Monday to attend the Panchina d’Oro Award in Coverciano, where he received a “special” recognition.

The event was held at the Italy’s training ground so a question about the Azzurri was inevitable.

Maresca ‘optimistic’ about Italy

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“I hope they make it to the World Cup, and I’m optimistic,” Maresca told reporters, including Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m cheering for them also because, otherwise, they’ll make fun of us even more abroad. Let’s hope no. Let’s hope this time we manage to get to the World Cup ,and I wish that for Italy, for Gennaro and everyone.”

One of the main concerns for football clubs in Italy and all around Europe regard a congested fixture list that leaves little rest to players and coaches.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“This is the situation, either you adapr or you don’t train, or you don’t play,” Maresca said.

“A FIFA study highlighted that the two teams with the most injuries during the season were Chelsea and PSG, coincidentally, the World Cup Finalists.”

Lastly, Maresca answered a question on whether he’ll coach a Serie A club one day: “I’m doing well abroad, but we’ll see. What matters is not what you’ve done, but your willingness,” he concluded.