Zola Wants Roma-Chelsea Final

Former Serie A and EPL star Gianfranco Zola is hoping that the final of this season’s Champions League is contested between Roma and Chelsea.

Zola enjoyed a glittering career in both Italy and England, but is perhaps best remembered for his brilliant seven-year spell at Chelsea from 1996 to 2003.

In an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, the 41-year-old commented on yesterday’s Champions League draw.

"My ideal final? Roma - Chelsea of course,” said Zola.

“And who is to say that this wish could not come true.

“Among other things it would be a top-class match and the outcome would be very uncertain.”

The tie of the round, along with Arsenal against Liverpool, is Roma’s clash with Manchester United.

Many people are writing off Roma’s chances, given their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side last season.

Zola, however, is not so sure. "In addition to the incredible motivation that is given to you by a quarter-final of the Champions League, Roma has an additional incentive and it is called “7-1”,” he explained.

“Now is the opportunity to wash the shame.”

Zola was asked if playing the second leg at Old Trafford would be a disadvantage for Roma.

"I do not think so,” he replied.

“When you get to certain levels the factor of where you are player matters little, and Roma have already demonstrated at the Santiago Bernabeu that they are able to cancel this factor.

"It is hard to quantify [Roma’s chances of going through], given the fact they are meeting the strongest of the lot. But if they play like they can, the Giallorossi have a far better chance than the forecast says.”

Alessio Alexis