Chelsea fans might want to keep a close eye on developments in Italy, as Serie A giants AS Roma are reportedly lining up current Blues boss Enzo Maresca as a prime candidate for their head coach position—should Chelsea part ways with him this summer.

According to TEAMtalk, Roma’s interest in Maresca is serious. The Italian tactician, who has guided Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League final and is still fighting for a top-four finish in the Premier League, is viewed as an ideal long-term fit for the Giallorossi. His youth, tactical ideas, and ability to instill a team identity have all caught the attention of the Roma hierarchy.
Crucially, Maresca has the backing of Roma’s interim coach Claudio Ranieri—an iconic figure at both Roma and Chelsea. Ranieri, who is helping guide the club during the transition period, is said to have recommended Maresca to Roma’s American owners, the Friedkin Group, sharing his admiration for Maresca’s footballing philosophy and potential.
But while Roma may be planning ahead, there are major hurdles. The most obvious is that Maresca is still under contract at Stamford Bridge, earning around €5 million per season. Roma would need to match that figure—a financial stretch for the club, especially as they are still paying former manager Daniele De Rossi €3 million annually until 2027.

Then there’s the question of Chelsea’s intentions. If Maresca secures Champions League qualification and lifts the UEFA Conference League trophy, it could be difficult for the Chelsea board to justify his dismissal. However, if the club falls short of its targets, the situation could change quickly—and Roma are clearly waiting in the wings.
For Chelsea, this adds another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic end to the season. Maresca’s fate may ultimately hinge on the final few games. If he does depart, Roma could be ready to pounce—raising the stakes even higher for the Italian coach’s immediate future in west London.

Whatever happens, Chelsea fans should be prepared: the tug-of-war for Enzo Maresca may be just beginning.