Al Arabi head coach Gianfranco Zola enjoyed a distinguished playing career before becoming a manager.

The 49-year-old Italian had spells with Nuorese and Torres before joining Serie A side Napoli in 1989. It was here Zola came of age – the forward played alongside Argentine legend Diego Maradona and won the Serie A title in his first season with the club. Maradona proved to be a huge influence, with Zola admitting he used to spy on the FIFA World Cup™ winner when he took free-kicks in training.

After four successful seasons, and owing to Napoli’s financial problems, Zola moved to Serie A rivals Parma. He formed part of a star-studded forward line which also included Tomas Brolin and Faustino Asprilla as Parma went on to claim the UEFA Cup and UEFA Supercup during his three-year spell.
In 1996 Zola moved to English Premier League side Chelsea and made an immediate impact. In his first season Zola was named Football Writers’ Player of the Year as he helped Chelsea win the FA Cup. Chelsea would go on to enjoy the most successful period in their history to-date with Zola in the side. Zola added another FA Cup winners’ medal to his trophy cabinet during his time at Stamford Bridge, along with League Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Supercup honours. In 2003, Zola was named Chelsea’s greatest ever player.

On the international stage, Zola won 35 caps for Italy and played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup™, where his country lost the final on penalties to Brazil. He also participated in Euro 1996.

After retiring from playing, Zola had a stint as Italy U21 manager before beginning his club managerial career with English side West Ham United. Spells in charge of English side Watford and Serie A team Cagliari followed before he took the option of a fresh challenge in the Qatar Stars League with Al Arabi. Zola has had a positive impact in Qatar so far, with Arabi currently in fourth position and aiming to finish the year in the Qatar Cup places.