Chelsea appoint Leicester's Enzo Maresca as new head coach

The Italian joins having just guided Leicester to promotion from the second tier, with the Foxes hitting 97 points to win the league.

Maresca has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option of a sixth.

"We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style," Chelsea's co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said.

"Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club."

Maresca emerged as Chelsea's top choice after heading a shortlist containing Brentford's Thomas Frank, Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi.

"To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity," Maresca told the club's website.

"I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club's tradition of success and makes our fans proud."

Maresca is still early on in his managerial career with his tenure as Leicester boss coming after an unsuccessful six-month stint in charge of Parma in Serie B.

Before that, he was part of Pep Guardiola's staff at Manchester City and oversaw the management of their Elite Development Squad - winning the Premier League 2 title in 2021.

He also boasts an impressive playing career, featuring spells at Juventus, Fiorentina and Sevilla.