Gianfranco Zola

Zola arrived at Parma from Napoli in 1993 – having worn the number 10 shirt that had previously belonged to Diego Maradona – he quickly won the hearts of Parma fans with his combination of class and dazzling feats on the pitch. During his time with the Gialloblù, he helped Parma win the the European Super Cup and the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history. His talent earned him a call-up to the Italy National Team for the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Zola left Parma to join Chelsea in England, where the fans affectionately dubbed him “Magic Box”, and after seven seasons with The Blues, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth I.

He hung up his boots in 2005, before starting his coaching career the following year.