Gianfranco Zola

First Team Manager

D.O.B.

05.07.66

Birthplace

Oliena, Italy

Height

5'6

Position

First Team Manager

Signed

July 2012

Former Clubs

As a player: Nuorese, Torres, Napoli, Parma, Chelsea & Cagliari.

International

Italy - 35 caps & 10 goals

Pen Pic

The legendary Chelsea forward was appointed as Watford`s new manager, replacing Sean Dyche on an two-year contract on July 7 2012.

The former West Ham United manager had been heavily linked with the post when the Pozzo family re-kindled their interest in the Hornets. Despite alleged interest from Serie A side Sampdoria, Zola was persuaded to become the club`s head coach in the new setup.

Zola first came to England in 1996 from Parma in a deal worth £4.5m, staying with Chelsea for seven successful years, making over 200 appearances and permanently winning a place in the hearts of the west London outfit`s supporters. Zola was named the club`s 'Greatest ever Player` during his time at Stamford Bridge.

A year after retiring back in Italy with Cagliari, Zola took his first steps in coaching, linking up with the Italian U21 side as assistant coach to Pierluigi Casiraghi. The pair took the Italian youngsters to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, guiding them to the quarter finals of the tournament.

In 2008, Zola was appointed West Ham United manager, guiding the Hammers to a top-half finish in his first season. However, by the end of the second season and with a change of ownership, Zola was sacked by new owners, David`s Gold and Sullivan.

It was during his time as Iron`s boss than Zola came to work with Director of Football, Gianluca Nani, and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Duxbury.

he Oliena-born attacker won 35 caps during a six-year international career, scoring 10 goals for the Azzurri.