Enzo Maresca provided updates on injury status for Chelsea, noting that Atalanta has influenced tactical adjustments in Serie A and mentioning that Raffaele Palladino “observed some of our training sessions” earlier this year.
The Champions League clash is set to begin at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT.
Advertisement
After winning the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup last season, Chelsea has experienced inconsistent results in the Champions League this term, achieving a 3-0 victory over Barcelona and a 2-2 draw against Qarabag.
The team is currently facing mounting injury challenges, with Cole Palmer and Liam Delap excluded from the traveling squad.
Maresca Returns Chelsea to Italy
COBHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, during a training session at the Chelsea Training Ground on December 08, 2025, in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
“He had been sidelined for a couple of months but is now returning. However, he can’t handle playing every three days yet. He participated for an hour last week, and we intend to protect him from any further injuries,” Maresca shared with Sky Sport Italia.
Advertisement
“We’ve encountered several injury concerns, possibly due to last season’s extended duration. Delap faced some issues, returned, but now has a new shoulder injury, and Cole is dealing with a problem as well.”
“Our focus remains on giving our best performance, as we have in each game, and continuing to push forward.”
Both Reece James and Wesley Fofana are included in the squad and may be featured in tomorrow’s match.
BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta BC, prior to the Serie A match against ACF Fiorentina at Gewiss Stadium on November 30, 2025, in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Palladino assumed the Atalanta role after Ivan Juric was dismissed on November 11, and he shares a long-standing connection with Maresca from their playing days at Juventus.
“When I joined Juve, Raffaele was there alongside Gasperini, the youth coach, and he would occasionally train with the senior squad.”
“Before he took charge at Atalanta, he came to London to observe some of our training sessions, and we have maintained our connection, so we are well-acquainted.”
Both Juric and Palladino were influenced by former Atalanta coach Gasperini, who recently moved to Roma after nine successful years in Bergamo.
“There are always risks involved; Atalanta is an aggressive team that plays a unique style of football. We will do our utmost to secure the victory.”
COBHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Enzo Maresca, Chelsea FC manager, during training at Chelsea’s training ground on December 08, 2025, in Cobham, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Maresca acknowledged the broader impact of Gasperini on Italian football.
“Serie A has undergone significant changes from various perspectives. The most notable shift has been tactical; many teams are not directly copying but are adopting similar strategies to what Atalanta has executed under Gasperini in recent years. Most teams now employ a back five and engage in tight man-to-man marking. It is a drastically different landscape compared to when I played.”
When asked about the possibility of returning to Italy as a coach for a major club, given his brief tenure at Parma, he responded:
“At the moment, I represent one of the world’s most prestigious clubs, Chelsea, and I am genuinely content here. However, what will transpire in a week, a month, or even six months is uncertain; we will see what the future holds.”
Advertisement
During the press conference, Maresca was also asked about what he misses most about Italy, and his answer was predictable.
“The food. Even though my time is limited, I enjoy cooking and consider myself a good chef. It’s a passion of mine, so I love food.
I can make various dishes, particularly those that are often hard to find in restaurants, which are very traditional recipes passed down from my mother and grandmother.”