The young Italian spent the first half of last season at Leicester City before seeing the move cut short in January. He went on to just 71 minutes, across 11 games, under Pochettino in the second half of the season.

This season, Casadei has firmly established himself in Maresca defacto second string, playing the full 90 minutes againt Barrow in the Carabao Cup and then Gent in the Conference League - and the midfielder couldn't be happier.

"I was thrilled when I saw Maresca arrive at Stamford Bridge," he told Tuttosport. "I am not the only one who has already worked with him. Dewsbury-Hall came from Leicester. Palmer and Lavia played under him at Manchester City.

Cesare Casadei has already played 180 minutes this season

Zac Goodwin/PA Wire

"The coach was very clear from the first day, and everyone understood his ideas. Being a compatriot is handy because of the language; I can immediately understand his tactical instructions. However, I am treated the same way as anyone else. There are no privileges."

He added: "It was pretty hard under Pochettino because I only made a few appearances as a substitute. 11 games, but only 71 minutes on the pitch. I wasn't too happy. Everyone would like to play more."

Casadei was offered the chance to go out on loan in the summer and decided to stay put, a stance he is expected to stick to in the upcoming January transfer window.

'I was thrilled when I saw Maresca arrive at Stamford Bridge'

"After talking to the coach, I was 100% sure that staying was the best decision," he said.

"Maresca told me what he thinks, and I had no doubts. I remained here without even considering potential loan deals. I'm not evening thinking about the January transfer window. I couldn't be more proud to play for Chelsea, and the competition is one of the reasons why I decided to stay.

"I like the way he sees football. We are working well under his guidance. I think he is a top coach because he can get the best out of everyone. He's exigent as you expect him to be. We are at Chelsea and we have great expectations."