Maresca Brushes Off Fiorentina Flirtation, Sets Sights on Man City Hotseat

Imagine lifting silverware in Europe and then waving cheerio to Chelsea after a mutual parting of ways. That's Enzo Maresca's recent tale – Conference League champ, Club World Cup winner, and now a free agent since January. Fiorentina's scheming director Fabio Paratici thought he'd be the perfect Italian import for the Stadio Franchi, but nah, mate. Enzo's got loftier ambitions.

Viola's Homecoming Pitch Falls Flat

Paratici, the ex-Juve wheeler-dealer now pulling strings in Florence, has been on the blower to Maresca lately. According to reports from TMW, he's probing the ex-Chelsea gaffer's availability for next season. It's tempting, right? Back to Serie A, passionate fans, and a crack at Europa glory.

But here's the rub: Maresca ain't biting. The 45-year-old tactician, who cut his teeth in Pep's City setup, is reportedly holding his horses for Premier League glory. As Lorenzo Bettoni notes at Football Italia, Fiorentina's advances are about as welcome as a VAR check in stoppage time.

Short para for emphasis: Enzo's loyalty to England's top flight runs deeper than a full-back's overlapping run.

Dreaming of the Etihad Crown

Why snub the Viola? Simple – Maresca's got his eye on Manchester City. If Pep Guardiola decides to pack his bags at season's end, Enzo's top of the wishlist. Remember, he was Guardiola's right-hand man, soaking up that positional play magic like a sponge.

Their bond? Rock solid. Maresca's City staff stint means he speaks fluent Pep – high lines, inverted full-backs, the lot. Landing the Etihad job would be like stepping into your own blueprint. Tuttomercato whispers he's waiting patiently, turning down all but the elite calls.

Picture him striding into the blue half of Manchester, clipboard in hand, turning treble winners into... well, even more unbeatable. Hilarious if it happens – Chelsea fans might need therapy.

Serie A Plan B? Only the Big Boys

Okay, so Italy's not totally off the table. Maresca would allegedly mull over Juventus or Napoli, per the Italian hacks. But good luck with that – Luciano Spalletti's glued to the Naples throne, and Antonio Conte's busy brooding at Turin.

Both clubs are set to stick with their current bosses, leaving Maresca in limbo. It's like being the best man at a wedding where the groom's already hitched. Fiorentina? Charming, but no cigar.

What's Next for the Italian Maestro?

Maresca's stock is sky-high post-Chelsea successes, even if the Premier League stint ended early. A Conference League triumph and Club World Cup? That's not pigeon feed. He's got options, but his heart's in England.

Will Pep jump ship? Unlikely, but football's mad – remember Tuchel to England? Maresca could be plotting his next move from a Cobham training pitch or Bergamo touchline, watching Atalanta duels with a wry smile.

Grab your pint, lads – this saga's got legs. If City comes calling, it'll be fireworks. Until then, Enzo waits like a striker sniffing a rebound. Stay tuned; the merry-go-round spins on.