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Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca insists Italian soccer is being left behind and the Champions League Closing proved it for Inter. ‘Solely in Italy do they nonetheless suppose gamers are too younger and that have is what wins you video games.’

The 45-year-old is recent from for Chelsea and he spoke to the Corriere della Sera newspaper in Italy.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Enzo Maresca, Supervisor of Chelsea, reacts throughout the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Stamford Bridge on October 06, 2024 in London, England. (Photograph by Clive Mason/Getty Photos)

Whereas Chelsea had turn out to be the epitome of the over-spending Premier League membership with diminishing returns, together with a squad of 43 gamers firstly of the season, the Italian coach insists issues are altering.

“Chelsea spend rather a lot, however now make investments extra properly, following the route of recent soccer,”

“The membership spent rather a lot on Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo, however no one remembers that due to how a lot they’ve improved. Prior to now, they might spend heaps on gamers who had been over 30 and already gave their greatest.”

Maresca sees core downside of Italian soccer

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Enzo Maresca, Supervisor of Chelsea, reacts throughout the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photograph by Ryan Pierse/Getty Photos)

This is among the greatest issues afflicting Italian soccer in the mean time and it got here to a head within the Champions League Closing, when one other massive spender like Paris Saint-Germain swept Inter apart 5-0.

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“The Champions League Closing confirmed the domination of a younger crew, able to nice technical soccer expressed with a unprecedented tempo, vitality, urgent and attacking expertise. Luis Enrique has constructed a spectacular PSG and, in my very own small manner, I’m attempting to do the identical at Chelsea,” mentioned Maresca.

“Having mentioned that, Inter should see two Champions League Finals in three years as an achievement, not a failure. Simone Inzaghi must be happy with his work, particularly as he did it inside an ecosystem that’s now completely different to the remainder of the world.

“Solely in Italy do they nonetheless suppose gamers are too younger and that have is what wins you video games. It’s a cultural selection, one which means you’ll inevitably lose out when it comes to vitality. Italian soccer struggles to maintain up with the tempo of the opposite types.”

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy embraces Andrea Cambiaso of Italy throughout the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photos)

That is additionally obvious within the Italy squad, which is now with out a coach after Luciano Spalletti was sacked for a 3-0 defeat in Norway.

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“In fact, the nationwide groups replicate the work of the golf equipment, so how will you carry down the common age of the squad if the younger gamers don’t get to play?” famous Maresca.

“Chelsea spent cash to construct a squad of very younger expertise, nevertheless it didn’t cease us beating the file for academy gamers promoted to the senior squad. We place confidence in all of them.”

A participant leaving Manchester Metropolis this summer season for Serie A is Kevin de Bruyne, who has already agreed a free switch to Scudetto winners Napoli.

“I do know Kevin just like the again of my palms, he’ll adapt rapidly to Conte’s requests and convey a lot to Napoli. He is a superb champion. I actually am not saying you shouldn’t use gamers over 30 who’re of that degree, I merely attempt to put the vitality of younger lads round them,” concluded Maresca.