Zola, Gianfranco

Chelsea & Italy


Birthdate: July 5, 1966
Birthplace: Oliena (Sardinia), Italy
Height: 168 cms
Weight: 64 kgs
Position: Forward
Games & Goals with National Team: 35 caps, 10 goals (as of May 11, 2000)
English Premier League Debut: November 16, 1996 vs. Blackburn (D 1:1)

When Maradona left Napoli, he passed on his number ten football jersey to Gianfranco, because Maradona considered him to be his natural successor. Gianfranco's term in Napoli was fundamental for his career: he played with champions like Careca, Fonseca, Ferrara and Alemao. He became a famous player, feared by his opponents, particularly for his free-kicks. Gianfranco managed to stand out and draw attention to himself, showing he is fast, courageous and with a lot of initiative on the pitch. In November 1996 Gianfranco was bought by Chelsea for &pound 4.5 million. On February 12, 1997 at Wembley, he confirmed his great qualities again, scoring the only goal of the game for Italy, against England. On that occasion he was voted "Man of the Match". Nicknamed "Marazola" or "Italian Maradona".
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