Gianfranco Zola was one of the finest players to grace the Premier League.

And, according to Phil Parkinson, the little Italian maestro has still got it.

The City chief is keen to pit his managerial wits against Watford boss Zola this evening – after sharing the same pitch last year.

Parkinson said: “I was fortunate enough to play a charity game with him when I was Charlton manager.

“He played up front with Teddy Sheringham and they were outstanding. They were on a completely different plateau to everybody else.

“It was all ex-professionals playing in both teams but he was still a little genius with the football.

“But I can remember watching him for Chelsea and he was always an outstanding player. And speaking to everybody I know working at West Ham, he was an excellent manager and a very humble fellow despite what he’s achieved in the game.”

Zola succeeded Sean Dyche in the summer when the Italian Pozzo family took control of the club.

Like Parkinson, he has started with two league wins.