Covericano’s Museo del Calcio has just received a new precious donation, belonging to one of Italy’s greatest talents. It is of course Zola’s famous number 21 shirt that he wore throughout USA 1994 tournament. The legend himself was born in Olinea in Sardegna in 1966 and he made his Serie A debut in 1989 for Napoli at the Maradona.

He is one of the most iconic Italian talents of all time. He was able to amaze fans with his unpredictable skills always brimming with showmanship. Gianfranco Zola is a name that anyone will recognise up and down the country, and football lovers are grateful for what he brought to this sport. He may even be more appreciated across the Channel. ‘Magic Box’, as he was called while playing in England, possibly played his best in seven seasons at Chelsea where he won an array of trophies and individual prizes, writing himself into history. Just like in that cold February of 2002, when he scored with his heel in the FA Cup from a corner kick. It was one of the greatest finishes in football history.

Just to give an idea of how much he was loved in England, in 2004 he became Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire. 18 years later, in 2022, he became part of Italy Football’s Hall of Fame. It was a prestigious recognition of the football great who is currently vice-president of the Lega Pro.

For Italy, however, Gianfranco Zola didn’t have the destiny that he deserved despite his 35 caps and 10 goals. In some ways, his run in the USA ‘94 World Cup was very unlucky with regards to when he was incorrectly sent off against Nigeria only 12 minutes after he entered the field and made his debut in the competition.

However, his goal at Wembley will forever be remembered in an epic match against England with qualification for the France World Cup 1998 on the line. The ball was launched forward from midfield, he controlled it in the box with his left and finished with his right. His goal sealed a 1-0 win for Italy and led them to their first win in England for 24 years after Capello bagged the only goal in 1973.