It looks like Enzo Maresca may have already met some of his Chelsea players.

Enzo Maresca does not officially start work as Chelsea manager until July 1, but it has been claimed that the Italian has already got down to business.

He replaced Mauricio Pochettino as Blues boss earlier this month following the 52-year-old’s departure from Stamford Bridge.

Maresca has managed Leicester City, Parma and Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad.

His Chelsea side will take on his former club, the Premier League champions, on August 18 in their first game of the 2024/25 season.

Chelsea midfielder could be an important player for Enzo Maresca

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will be expected to be starters under Maresca next term.

The South American duo are the two-most expensive signings in Chelsea’s history.

However, it looks like another midfielder, Romeo Lavia, could also be key for Maresca.

In fact, according to journalist Simon Phillips, the 44-year-old has already spoken to the Belgian.

On his Substack, Phillips said: “SPTC sources also understand that Maresca has met some players already, one of which is Romeo Lavia, who he sees as key to his set-up.

“It’s unclear if they met at Cobham or somewhere else, but the two have met.”

How Enzo Maresca can fit Romeo Lavia into Chelsea team

Maresca’s preferred formation at Leicester was 4-2-3-1.

If he wants to get Caicedo, Fernandez and Lavia all into the same side, though, then he may have to utilise a 4-3-3 set-up instead.

That would not be good news for one of the team’s attackers but having that tactical flexibility may serve Chelsea well in the 2024/25 season.

It certainly will be interesting to see what Maresca does with Lavia and what the 20-year-old can bring to this Chelsea side.

The Stamford Bridge faithful did not get to see much of the Belgium international last season following his £58m move from Southampton.

Because of injuries, Lavia was only able to make one appearance.