Not only is Maresca a proud Italian but he made a similar journey to Zola in the 1990s by leaving the familiarity of his homeland for English football.

Maresca moved to West Bromwich Albion while Stamford Bridge was Zola's stage – and he performed on it like few before. With tricks, flicks, ingenious passes, wonderful goals and so much more, Zola earned Chelsea supporters' everlasting adulation and respect.

It's why the little Italian was greeted so warmly ahead of yesterday's victory over Newcastle, and why any comparison to his ability should not be taken lightly.

'I know he is an icon on EA FC so he must have been good,' was Palmer's genuine response when the question was put to him post-match. A quick reminder, the England international had just celebrated his second birthday when Zola left the Blues in 2003.

Maresca, though, would have grown up watching Zola shine in Serie A, represent Italy, and later make his mark in the English top flight. So, he knows the qualities the Blues legend and Palmer share.

He said: ‘I don’t think Cole knows Gianfranco [because of his age] but they are quite similar in terms of their quality and in terms of seeing things that others don’t see on the pitch

'Of course, I’m from Italy so I know Gianfranco quite well. We can’t compare but Gianfranco was, and Cole is, a quality player.’

Palmer's goal against Newcastle took his tally for the campaign to seven. He has also claimed five assists in the Premier League and continues to receive plaudits for his performances. Yet as Maresca has highlighted, the 22-year-old hasn't changed off the pitch despite his success on it.

‘For me, the best thing for Cole is he’s never changed,' Maresca said. 'I know him from three or four years ago and he’s exactly the same person. In the end, people come to the stadium to see a player like him, they pay to see players like him, so we are happy to have him.’