Friendship, Family, Football: Knowing a Man Like Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca’s journey from aspiring footballer to successful manager is marked by the enduring friendships and family values that shaped him. He met his childhood friend and former Brighton head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, at AC Milan’s training centre, where they quickly forged a bond that transcended football. During their active days, he played as a midfielder in positions 6 or 8, while De Zerbi occupied the number 10 role. Both midfield pairs with lifelong friendships have a great story to tell, and this article tells the hidden chapter of Enzo Maresca with a deeper focus on his family background.

Preamble:

Coming from a hardworking family, Enzo’s father, Pasquale De Caro, was a street vendor at the fish market in Campania. Instilling in him a strong work ethic and passion for the game. Enzo remains a devoted father and husband, spending quality time with his wife, Maria Jesus Pariente and four children.

His career in the English Premier League required him to be fluent in multiple languages. In addition to his native Italian, Enzo speaks English and Spanish, which enhances his ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams in top football leagues.

This unique blend of personal and professional experiences has shaped Enzo Maresca into a well-rounded tactician and a promising figure in football management. However, our biography overlooks his blossoming career and focuses on his knowledge about his parents—Pasquale De Caro and Mrs Maresca, siblings, his early football story, religion, nationality and the coaching world.

Our goal is to spark your interest in football stories as we take you through the life and journey of Enzo Maresca. To kick things off, we’re excited to share a gallery that captures his incredible story—from his early days as a young talent at Fiorentina to becoming a trophy-winning player, a devoted husband, and eventually rising to fame as a football manager. The son of Pasquale De Caro has truly come a long way in both his personal and professional life.

Enzo Maresca Childhood Story:

For first-time readers, his nickname is Diet Pep. Enzo Maresca was born on the 10th of February 1980 to his parents- his father, Pasquale De Caro, and his mother, Mrs Maresca, in Italy.

From all research, Enzo is the only child of his parents. The couple stays together because of their deep affection, and their son is the product of their unity. In this biography, we will learn more about Enzon Maresca’s parents and their input to his success.

Growing-Up Years:

Enzo Maresca began life with his family in Pontecagnano Faiano, Province of Salerno, in Italy. Together with his father, Pasquale De Caro, and his mother, Mrs Maresca, life was sweet and blissful.

After careful research, we found no information about Enxo Maresca’s siblings. So, as an only child, there were days when he was lonely and needed company.

That phase of his life came to an end when he met his childhood friend, De Zerbi. The young boys met in Ac Milan’s training centre. And soon formed a bond that went beyond football. Enzo, playing number 6 or 8, and his friend, occupying the number 10 position. They shared tales about their days, creating a strong and enduring friendship.

However, Enzo and De Zerbi shared their dreams of being big-time footballers away from their hometowns. But we doubt they saw that someday they would be club managers and take it to new heights in their careers.

Enzo Maresca Family Background:

The footballer-turned-manager did come from a wealthy household. But one that was hardworking and took great pride in their occupation. Enzo Maresca’s father used to work as a street vendor at the fish market in Campania. Apart from his selling acumen, Pasquale De Caro was a huge football fan.

Enzo Maresca’s father was not just a fan but a true devotee of the Salernitana team. The Unione Sportiva Salernitana is an Italian football club in Campania. Pasquale De Caro would take his son to the stadium to watch them play on his days off. His love for the game was so profound that he dreamt of seeing Enzo wear the team’s jersey and play alongside them.

De Caro was part of the Fedelissimi Antica Salerno club. The oldest group of Salernitana fans. Enzo was also a regular at this club. On Sunday mornings, when Salernitana played at home, he would hop onto a small three-wheeled vehicle to ride to the stadium. They would put the Salernitana Bersagliera banner in the stands to show their support there.

Enzo Maresca’s mother played a significant role in the family. She was primarily responsible for managing the household. And also had the potential to pursue a career or a side business. Nonetheless, the Italian aspiring footballer had plans for himself. The agile attacker had no desire to play for the team his father so cherished. But he was determined to make a name in the football world.

Who is Enzo Maresca’s Wife:

The Italian maestro found love in his prime at 25 years of age. And it was when he was a teammate of Seville in 2005. Enzo Maresca’s wife, is Maria Jesus Pariente. They met after one of his games, during which she was a spectator. From there onwards, the friendship blossomed into a beautiful affair.

While the exact date of their marriage remains a private affair, the love between Enzo Maresca and his wife has produced a beautiful result: wonderful children. Their first son was born in Seville, a year after their marriage, in the Southern part of Spain. However, their kid’s names are not public out of respect for their privacy.

Apart from conquering the world, Enzo is a loving father and a wonderful husband. The Italian sportsman spends his holidays with his family—his wife and four children. Maresca’s family is always with him, whether watching him on television or viewing his life from the stadium.

Enzo Maresca, the former Aston Villa athlete, understands the importance of being present for his children. With the right exposure to football from a young age, the boys will choose a career in this sport.  Now that he is a manager, there is hope these boys could become the next wonder kids in the sports world.

Enzo Maresca Family Origin:

Research reveals that Enzo Maresca’s parents are full-bred Italians. This is evident in the fact that the names of his father, Pasquale De Caro, and his mother, Mrs Maresca, trace their origin to Italy.

Hence, this proves true of Enzo Maresca’s Italian nationality. But what do we know about the former footballer’s birthplace? Firstly, Pontecagnano Faiano is a town and a commune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of southwest Italy.

However, what interests us is how close it is to the most essential names in football. Enzo Maresca’s hometown is 2 hours from Riccardo Calafiori‘s native soil in Aurelio. It is also 532 km from Tuscany, Luciano Spalletti‘s birth city.

The Beginning of Enzo Maresca’s Football Journey:

The footballer began his career in AC Milan at 11 in 1991 with his childhood friend De Zerbi. After three years of honing his skills as a youth, Enzo moved to Cagliari youth academy.

The central midfielder stayed with the Italian youth team for four years before an English club came knocking. On the 25th of August 1998, Enzo moved to West Bromwich Albion at 18. This huge move meant the genius had to leave his home, family, and everything else in Italy.

Beginning his senior career despite the language barrier, as he didn’t speak English, was no easy feat. However, after 47 appearances in the Championship with five goals, he transferred at the end of the season. Moving back to Italy, Maresco went to Juventus on a free transfer in the 99/00 season. While the central midfielder was going in, Didier Deschamps (DM) and Thierry Henry were leaving for Chelsea and Arsenal clubs.

Maresco played for Bologna and Piacenza on loan, scoring nine goals in 2002–03 but suffering team relegation. The central midfielder returned to the Serie A with Fiorentina in the summer of 2004. In 2005, he transferred to Sevilla on a four-year contract.

Enzo Maresco’s Winning Streaks:

In Seville, the creative force went ballistic and unstoppable. Maresco appeared in eleven matches and scored three goals, helping his team win the UEFA Cup. Enzo Maresca scored two goals in the big game against Middlesbrough, and his team won 4–0. Thus, he got a special award for being the best player in the match.

Enzo’s team won the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Españan, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his three years in Seville. The Anchorman of the midfield shuffled to Olympiacos in 09/10. He left for Malaga after a year and helped his team qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history. At 32, Enzo was still on the field with Sampdoria and continued playing until he was 37.

However, before Maresco’s retirement, the Box-to-Box Midfielder played for US Palermo and Hellas Verona. And in the 16/17 season, the Italian midfielder drew a curtain on his career. The versatile, consistent and energetic footballer had great tactical intelligence. In addition, coaches were describing him as a complete player.

Enzo Maresca Managerial Journey:

Although the curtains had been drawn on the central midfielder leaving the pitch, Enzo was not ready to leave the sports. Instead, the tactical midfielder sought another way to put his skills to great use. Four months after retirement, the player was revealed as a non-playing Serie B club Ascoli staff member. Because he didn’t have the expected coach badges, he was made as an assistant to Fulvio Fiorin.

Enzo Maresca’s journey in football management is a thrilling progression. He stayed with Ascoli until 17/18, officially leaving on the 21st of November 2017. The following month, he took on the assistant manager role to Vincenzo Montella in Sevilla FC. In 2018, he furthered his progression by becoming a technical coach with the same team. A role that allowed him to analyze and improve the team’s capabilities.

The break in Enzo Maresca’s managerial pursuit came when he left the Spanish league for the Premier League. Going in as assistant manager for Manuel Pellegrini in West Ham in the 18/19 season. After the end of his tenure, it was time to leave the chair of being a co-manager and step on to the next level.

Acent to Sucess as a Manager:

In August 2020, Enzo became the Manchester City under 23 squad manager. He led the team to win the Premier League 2 title following his powerful tactics and formation. He did it with players like Felix Nmecha (CM), Tommy Doyle (CM), Morgan Rogers (LW), Cole Palmer (AM), and Micah Hamilton. This performance result added a feather to Enzo’s excellent managerial skills.

With a more exciting offer, Maresco left for Parma in the Serie B as head coach in the 21/22 season. However, the team didn’t come out victoriously at the end of the season, and he was dismissed. This was the moment the newbie manager sought further training on his part. Thus, the Italian went under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola in Manchester City in June 2022.

After a season of training, Maresca went on to be manager of Championship club Leicester City on a three-year deal. Then, they were relegated to the Championship. The team started with a 100% record for the first four matches, giving him the EFL Championship Manager of the Month award in August. The now-equipped manager went on to win the award four times in October, December and April of the 23/24 season.

Enzo also pushed the relegated Leicester back to the Premier League, winning the Champions Champions title after their win against Preston North End. Following the successful stint, the Italian-born got a contract with Chelsea as head coach on the 1st of July 2024. His first game ended in a victory over Manchester United, and a week later, he was promoted to the manager position after a winning streak with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Joao Felix. The rest is history, they said.

Enzo Maresca Lifestyle:

The Ex-Player Turned Coach’s loving personality, evident in his role as a father, endears him to all. As stated earlier, his unwavering commitment to his family is a testament to his wonderful fatherhood.

Evidence of that is when the former club he manages, Leicester City, was promoted to the Premier League. And he invited his team to his house. It was also fun, according to the photo Keirnan Dewsbury put out, showing all of them in an excited atmosphere.

Moving on to his relationship with his teammates, Enzo is humble and never brags at anyone. As an Aquarius, he is a huge motivation and inspiration to those who admire him. Moving to Maresca as a manager, the Italian relates well to his players.

Enzo Maresca Family:

The Field General comes from a home that loves football, courtesy of his dad. Even though Enzo did fulfil his dreams of playing for his cherished club, he didn’t get bitter or unsupportive. Instead, Maresca’s father went on to always reach out to his child for every game analysis. Let’s learn about the family that the athlete is a part of.

About Enzo Maresca’s Father:

Pasquale De Caro is a retired fish seller at the fish market in Campania. From infancy, he has been a number supporter of his child’s career. So much so that he was always available to take Enzo to his training in the neighbourhood.

When Enzo Maresca’s father noticed how talented his son had become, he wanted only his wish to come true. From time immemorial, De Caro was a die-hard fan of the Salernitana. To such a degree that he would take their banners and erect them on match days.

Despite his love for the Salernitana, Pasquale De Caro accepted his son’s decision to pursue a career outside Italy. He continued to sing his son’s praises, showing that his love for the game was not tied to a specific team but to his son’s success.

About Enzo Maresca’s Mother:

Although not much is known about the mother of the experienced central figure, we know that behind the success line, she stood there proudly. Mrs Maresca embodied love and always soothed his pains after each football session. While his father was a great lover of football, Enzo Maresca’s mom built up the champion.

The former Seville trophy winner took up his mother’s surname in the field in her honour. Some wonder why the Italians did that instead of sticking with De Caro. Nonetheless, his decision is known to the player alone. It feels like his way of thanking and praising Maresca’s effort in his life’s journey.

Untold Facts:

This segment gives us some tale-telling information about the Italian midfielder turned football manager.

Enzo Maresca’s Father Goes Missing:

This incident happened during his training with Pep Guardiola in Manchester City. Enzo had invited his father to join him in Istanbul in the Ataruk stadium and enjoy the games like they had in his childhood. But down from the beginning of the match to the end, he could reach De Caro and an alarm was raised, making the Turkish police take swift action. Thankfully, Maresca’s father was found hale and hearty in the middle of the night. That moment must have been frightening to the now-Chelsea manager.

Enzo Maresca’s Religion:

The former trophy-winning midfielder comes from the centre of Catholicism and is the home of Vatican City. While he may not be a churchgoer, we are sure Enzo joined his mother as a kid in those activities.

Enzo Maresca is a Multilingual:

The nature of his job outside of Italy and in the English Premier League required him to be fluent in more than the Italian tongue. Enzo speaks English and Spanish well, in addition to his first language. This ability helps him communicate with teams in the major football leagues. Just like Romelu Lukaku (CM), and Mike Arteta.

Summary:

Enzo Maresca began life with his family in Pontecagnano Faiano, Province of Salerno, in Italy. Together with his father, Pasquale De Caro, and his mother, Mrs Maresca, life was sweet and blissful. He met his childhood friend, De Zerbi. The young boys met in Ac Milan’s training centre and soon formed a bond beyond football. Enzo, playing number 6 or 8, and his friend, occupying the number 10 position, shared tales about their days, creating a strong and enduring friendship.

The footballer-turned-manager did come from a wealthy household. Enzo Maresca’s father used to work as a street vendor at the fish market in Campania. Apart from his selling acumen, Pasquale De Caro was a huge football fan. The Italian Maestro found love in his prime at 25 years of age. And it was when he was a teammate of Seville in 2005. Enzo Maresca and his wife, Maria Jesus Pariente, met after one of his games.

Early Football Beginnings:

He began his career in the Ac Milan at 11 in 1991 with his childhood friend De Zerbi. After three years of honing his skills as a youth, Enzo moved to Cagliari youth academy. The central midfielder stayed with the Italian youth team for four years before an English club came knocking. On the 25th of August 1998, Enzo moved to West Bromwich Albion at 18. This huge move meant the genius had to leave his home, family, and everything else in Italy.

Beginning his senior career despite the language barrier, as he didn’t speak English, was no easy feat. However, after 47 appearances in the Championship with five goals, he transferred at the end of the season. Moving back to Italy, Maresco went to Juventus on a free transfer in the 99/00 season.

In Seville, the creative force went ballistic and unstoppable. Maresca appeared in eleven matches and scored three goals, helping his team win the UEFA Cup. Enzo’s team won the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Españan, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his three years in Seville. The Anchorman of the Midfield shuffled to Olympiacos in 09/10. He left for Malaga after a year and helped his team qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history.

Managerial Career:

Although the curtains had been drawn on the central midfielder leaving the pitch, Enzo was not ready to leave the sports. Four months after retirement, the player was revealed as a non-playing Serie B club Ascoli staff member. Enzo Maresca stayed with Ascoli until 17/18, officially leaving on the 21st of November 2017. The following month, he took on the assistant manager role to Vincenzo Montella in Sevilla Fc.

The break in Enzo Maresca’s managerial pursuit came when he left the Spanish league for the Premier League. Going in as assistant manager for Manuel Pellegrini in West Ham in the 18/19 season. After the end of his tenure, it was time to leave the chair of being a co-manager and step on to the next level. In August 2020, Enzo became the Manchester City under 23 squad manager.

With a more exciting offer, Maresco left for Parma in the Serie B as head coach in the 21/22 season. However, the team didn’t come out victoriously at the end of the season, and he was dismissed. This was the moment the newbie manager sought further training on his part. After a season watching the Spanish Pep tactical formation, Maresca went on to be manager of Championship club Leicester City, relegated to the Championship.

Enzo also pushed the relegated Leicester back to the Premier League, winning the Champions Champions title after their win against Preston North End. Following the successful stint, the Italian-born got a contract with Chelsea as head coach on the 1st of July 2024.

Gratitude:

We are delighted that you enjoyed reading about Enzo Maresca’s biography. No doubt his transition from the pitch to the sidelines and his progress so far is commendable. We are confident that you would also love the life stories of Fabian Hurzeler, ex-Senegalese coach Aliou Cisse and Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić.

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