Gianfranco Zola

Born: July 5, 1966

Height: 5' 6" (168cm)

Hometown: Oliena, Italy
Nationality: Italy Italian

Role: Manager
Watford manager Gianfranco Zola during the match against Brighton on December 29, 2012
© PA Photos
Career History
Managerial2008-2010West Ham United
2012-2013Watford
2016-2017Birmingham City
Sports Mole has 514 articles about Gianfranco Zola. Articles 1 to 40:
Arsenal's Thierry Henry and manager Arsene Wenger with the Premiership trophy in 2004
The Premier League's best and worst Serie A signings after transfer deadline day
Sports Mole looks back at some of the best, and worst, Serie A imports to the Premier League.
Nov 11, 07:00
 Chelsea's Petr Cech with the Champions League trophy in 2012
Chelsea's record in 13 previous European finals after Real Betis Conference League victory
Sports Mole looks at Chelsea's record in previous European finals following their 4-1 Conference League thrashing of Real Betis.
May 29, 07:51
 Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Real Betis' Isco on May 28, 2025
Chelsea vs. Real Betis: Head-to-head record and past meetings
Ahead of Wednesday's Conference League clash between Betis and Chelsea, Sports Mole looks at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between Chelsea and Real Betis.
May 26, 15:59
 Watford head coach Tom Cleverley on April 12, 2025
Watford make decision on future of head coach Tom Cleverley
Watford announce whether they intend to retain the services of head coach Tom Cleverley amid speculation that has lasted a number of months.
May 6, 13:10
 Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne on September 18, 2024
Man City vs. Chelsea: Haaland or Drogba? Rodri or Lampard? Ederson or Cech? Who makes an all-time combined XI?
Ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash between Manchester City and Chelsea, Sports Mole selects an all-time combined XI from the histories of both clubs.
Jan 24, 17:27
 Where does Erling Haaland rank among Premier League's greatest strikers? on September 17, 2024
'Even Shearer would say he's better than him' - Where does Haaland rank among Premier League's best strikers?
Man City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany tells Sports Mole that Erling Haaland can be considered as "the greatest Premier League striker" if he continues to bang in the goals for the Citizens for "another few years".
Sep 17, 12:55
 Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates scoring their first goal on May 15, 2024
Cole Palmer equals Chelsea Premier League record in Brighton & Hove Albion win
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer equals a club Premier League record with his opening goal in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
May 15, 22:33
 Millwall manager Gary Rowett on February 21, 2023
Birmingham City confirm Gary Rowett appointment on interim basis
Birmingham City confirm that Gary Rowett has returned to the club on an interim basis with manager Tony Mowbray taking an extended absence until next season.
Mar 19, 22:07
 West Ham United's Vladimir Coufal reacts after being shown a red card by referee Michael Salisbury on January 21, 2024
Preview:West Ham United vs. Bournemouth - prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Thursday's Premier League clash between West Ham United and Bournemouth, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Jan 30, 21:44
 Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney on December 8, 2023
Birmingham City confirm Wayne Rooney exit
Birmingham City confirm that they have sacked manager Wayne Rooney after just 15 matches in charge.
Jan 2, 11:01
 Noah press shot
Premier League predictions gameweek 20: Noah and the Loners drummer Noah Riley vs. Sports Mole
Sports Mole takes on Noah and the Loners drummer Noah Riley for a Premier League predictions challenge in gameweek 20 of the 2023-24 season.
Dec 29, 18:28
 Feeder press shot
Premier League predictions gameweek 18: Feeder's Taka Hirose vs. Sports Mole
Sports Mole takes on Feeder's Taka Hirose for a Premier League predictions challenge in gameweek 18 of the 2023-24 season.
Dec 21, 15:17
 Manchester City's Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their second goal on May 3, 2023
Erling Braut Haaland named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year
Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland is named the 2023 Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.
May 12, 10:32
 Inter Milan's Hakan Calhanoglu reacts on February 22, 2023
Preview:Inter Milan vs. Lecce - prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Sunday's Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Lecce, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Mar 3, 19:52
 Danny Drinkwater in action for Chelsea in the FA Cup on January 17, 2018
Danny Drinkwater: 'Maurizio Sarri gave me an hour to leave Chelsea'
Danny Drinkwater says that former Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri gave him just an hour to find a new club at the end of the 2018 summer transfer window.
Jul 8, 09:28
 Liverpool forward Luis Suarez and Chelsea defender John Terry in action during the 2012 FA Cup final.
Liverpool vs. Chelsea: A look back at their FA Cup head-to-heads
Ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final, Sports Mole takes a look back at the previous fixtures between Liverpool and Chelsea in this competition.
May 10, 10:00
 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Manchester United in March 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo looking to break Gianfranco Zola scoring record
Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to break a goalscoring record held by Gianfranco Zola when he lines up for Manchester United against Leicester City.
Apr 1, 11:34
 Southampton's James Ward-Prowse celebrates scoring their second goal against Newcastle United on August 28, 2021
Pep Guardiola: 'James Ward-Prowse the best set-piece taker in world football'
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hails Southampton's James Ward-Prowse as the 'best set-piece taker in the world' ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash at St Mary's.
Jan 21, 15:20
 Cagliari's Keita Balde celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on September 19, 2021
Preview:Cagliari vs. Udinese - prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Saturday's Serie A clash between Cagliari and Udinese, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Dec 16, 20:27
 Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy pictured on November 8, 2020
Jamie Vardy joins elite group of over-30s with 100 PL goal contributions
Teddy Sheringham leads the group ahead of Frank Lampard, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Gianfranco Zola and Jamie Vardy.
Mar 15, 12:18
 Gianfranco Zola during his time in charge of West Ham in 2010
On this day in 2008: West Ham appoint Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola as manager
The Italian signed a three-year deal at Upton Park as he succeeded Alan Curbishley.
Sep 11, 06:31
 Paris Saint-Germain's Thiago Silva in the aftermath of the Champions League final on August 23, 2020
Shirt numbers available to Thiago Silva at Chelsea
Ahead of Thiago Silva's expected move to Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain, Sports Mole looks at the numbers available to the Brazilian at Stamford Bridge.
Aug 24, 13:24
 Curious Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri on April 18, 2019
Gianfranco Zola: Chelsea players "got bored" under Maurizio Sarri
Chelsea's players grew tired of Maurizio Sarri's methods during the Italian's one season at Stamford Bridge, according to ex-assistant Gianfranco Zola.
May 30, 12:28
 Chelsea assistant Gianfranco Zola pictured on February 14, 2019
Former Chelsea attacker Gianfranco Zola brands coronavirus "evil"
Former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola describes the coronavirus as "evil" and suggests that the UK needs to take stronger measures to combat the spread of the virus
Mar 16, 21:34
 Jack Collison pictured in 2012
Interview: Jack Collison on West Ham's struggles, the club's best youngster and a rivalry brewing with Beckham
Former West Ham midfielder Jack Collison speaks to Sports Mole about his career, the challenges that came with early retirement, and a rivalry brewing with David Beckham.
Jan 29, 07:30
 Watford interim boss Hayden Mullins pictured on December 4, 2019
Preview:Watford vs. Crystal Palace – prediction, team news, lineups
Sports Mole previews Watford's meeting with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, including a prediction, team news and predicted lineups.
Dec 5, 21:00
 Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori pictured on November 5, 2019
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola: 'Fikayo Tomori playing beyond my expectations'
Club legend and former assistant manager Gianfranco Zola admits that Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is exceeding his expectations at Stamford Bridge.
Nov 18, 18:25
 Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante in action during the Premier League game between Manchester United and Chelsea on April 28, 2019
Gianfranco Zola defends Maurizio Sarri's use of N'Golo Kante at Chelsea
Gianfranco Zola defends Maurizio Sarri's decision to use N'Golo Kante in a more advanced midfield role at Chelsea last season.
Aug 12, 19:21
 Chelsea's Maurizio Sarri on the touchline against Slavia Prague in the Europa League on April 11, 2019.
Gianfranco Zola: 'Maurizio Sarri deserved more time at Chelsea'
Gianfranco Zola says that former Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri should have been given more time at Stamford Bridge.
Jul 9, 11:45
 Chelsea assistant Gianfranco Zola pictured on February 14, 2019
Sacked Gianfranco Zola disappointed with Chelsea treatment
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola reveals his disappointment at being let go ahead of former teammate Frank Lampard's arrival as manager at Stamford Bridge.
Jul 5, 12:15
 Chelsea's Maurizio Sarri on the touchline against Slavia Prague in the Europa League on April 11, 2019.
Chelsea confirm Maurizio Sarri exit for Juventus
Chelsea confirm that an agreement has been reached for Maurizio Sarri to join Juventus.
Jun 16, 13:08
 Derby County boss Frank Lampard celebrates reaching the playoffs on May 5, 2019
Frank Lampard 'wants Didier Drogba as part of his backroom staff at Chelsea'
A report claims that Chelsea are to appoint legendary midfielder Frank Lampard as Maurizio Sarri's successor and Didier Drogba will join his backroom staff.
Jun 14, 22:11
 Ruben Loftus-Cheek celebrates his third goal of the night in Chelsea's 3-1 win over BATE Borisov on October 25, 2018
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 'It was right to sub me off'
Loftus-Cheek backs under-fire manager on substitution.
May 10, 16:41
 Curious Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri on April 18, 2019
FA to review referee report after alleged Maurizio Sarri abuse
Representatives of Chelsea and Burnley clashed in the tunnel following a 2-2 draw.
Apr 23, 12:22
 Curious Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri on April 18, 2019
Maurizio Sarri left "offended" by Burnley backroom staff
Head coach Sarri was sent to the stands and then refused to address the media after the Blues slipped to a frustrating draw against the Clarets.
Apr 23, 08:42
 Curious Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri on April 18, 2019
Gianfranco Zola: 'Chelsea to complain about offensive Burnley comment to Sarri'
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was sent off late in the game.
Apr 22, 23:08
 Olivier Giroud in action for Chelsea on April 3, 2019
Olivier Giroud: "I'm not happy to play the second role"
The Frenchman has struggled to secure a regular first-team place.
Apr 17, 19:58
 Chelsea assistant Gianfranco Zola pictured on February 14, 2019
Zola misses Chelsea's Europa League clash through ill health
The Italian has been readmitted to hospital following gallstone surgery complications.
Feb 21, 21:01
 Brendan Rodgers watches on during the Champions League qualifying game between AEK Athens and Celtic on August 14, 2018
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in contention for Chelsea job?
The odds on Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers replacing Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea manager have been slashed overnight.
Feb 20, 14:12
 Nick Pope in action for Burnley on January 5, 2019
Football rumours from the media
A number of new signings for Manchester City make the Wednesday papers.
Feb 20, 06:24
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