Random Parma Video 5: Gianfranco Zola

By: Francesco | December 12th, 2007

Gianfranco Zola is probably one of the most talented players to ever come out of Italy. Born on the beautiful island of Sardegna, he played with hometown club Nuorese before moving to Sassari Torres. It was there where Zola was noted for his sublime talent. A typical support striker/fantasista, Zola, despite his small stature, was quick, was an excellent passer, could dribble like a Brazilian, and score goals with ease. Napoli noted his ability and picked him up, where he spent some years playing alonside and learning from Diego Maradona, who named him his heir and gave him his number 10 when he left in 1991. It was there that Zola learned how to take a free kick, and soon became one of the best Italian free kick takers ever. In 1993, with Napoli undergoing problems financially, Parma decided to take advantage and buy the little Sardinian wonder. It was with the Gialloblu’ where he really showed Italy his best, winning the European SuperCup in 1993 and the UEFA Cup in 1995, as well as becoming a regular in Arrigo Sacchi’s Italian national side, where he went to the World Cup in 1994 [although Zola had a disappointing tournament, being unjustly sent off against Nigeria], and then being a protagonist in Euro ‘96 [although he missed a penalty against Germany in the group stage and Italy were eliminated, then he was unfairly left off the roster for World Cup '98]. However after 3 seasons, he left Parma. The reason all comes down to Carlo Ancelotti, who really didn’t prefer Zola, and always played him out of position or just kept him on the pine. It was in 1996 when Zola finally decided to leave, and became one of the first Italians to go abroad when he signed for Chelsea. After that we know the story, he returned home to Sardegna with Cagliari, led them to promotion with Mauro Esposito, David Suazo, and Antonio Langella, and played a season in Serie A before officially retiring. Now he’s the Italy U21 assistant coach and is rumored to be Capello’s translator/assistant if he becomes England manager.

In tribute to Zola, here are all 49 goals Zola scored with the Gialloblu’: