The Enzo Maresca era gets underway on Saturday as Manchester City face off against Inter Milan in a Hong Kong-hosted preseason friendly.
These two teams met in the 2023 Champions League final, when a Rodri goal was enough for the Cityzens to complete the treble. Inter were arguably the superior side in Istanbul, but were made to rue missed opportunities late on.
Simone Inzaghi, the manager then, was succeeded by former defender Cristian Chivu, and he helped Inter regain the Scudetto last season. While the Nerazzurri have successfully transitioned, Maresca has his work cut out if he’s to follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard left City after a decade of dominance, during which Maresca served as his assistant between 2020 and 2023.
The Italian was subsequently successful at Leicester City, and his work with Chelsea was promising enough before a complete breakdown with the hierarchy led to his departure at the start of 2026.
Maresca at least doesn’t have the pressure of retaining the Premier League title this season, with City among the clubs playing a hunting role.
The two teams met at the start of the 2024–25 Champions League campaign, with Inter frustrating City in a goalless stalemate. That was the second of their two competitive meetings.
They’re facing off in Hong Kong on Saturday with unfamiliar starting lineups thanks to the World Cup, with City, in particular, bereft of their stars. Thus, Inter, who are slightly further along in their preparations for the new season, could take advantage of City’s youth, as well as the new manager on the touchline.
The well-drilled Nerazzurri represent stubborn opposition even in the summer, and they may get the better of the Cityzens.
