After Baggio, Del Piero and Totti, Gianfranco Zola arrives to complete the poker of playmakers in the 'Italian Football Hall of Fame' by entering the company of another number one among the number 10s like Zinedine Zidane.
"Not bad company, I'm surprised and pleased by this recognition", says the former blue in statements reported by the FIGC, stating among other things that in a full and successful career some regrets are linked precisely to the national team.
"I think I haven't been able to give my all. I could have given much more. In some situations I haven't been able to be cold enough, my limit".
Italian football, and the national team, lack forwards and attacking midfielders and Zola agrees with Mancini according to which part of the fault lies in the fact that football is no longer played on the street.
"He's right. Playing on the street you get used to going outside the box, you're more creative. After the advent of Arrigo Sacchi, Italy has focused more on schematic players, this has brought benefits but creativity has been neglected. Now players with characteristics similar to mine such as Politano, Zaccagni or Verde are made to play as wingers. The context has changed and they are called to develop different qualities. Others, like Pellegrini, play in midfield."
Continuing to talk about current events, Zola underlines that he "was lucky enough to experience the celebration of the second Scudetto in Naples, it was extraordinary. I would be extremely happy if the third came, the people of Naples deserve it. When I see the team play of Spalletti I think, how wonderful - says Zola -. His strength is not only in the individual, but in the community".
Among the Azzurri, he has "a very high opinion of Kvara. He is a very technical player, but also a team man. He has a great personality and his growth has grown, he has never stopped. He reminds me of George Best".