Gianfranco Zola backs Roberto Di Matteo to land Chelsea job

Manager Roberto Di Matteo lifts the Champions League trophy during the Chelsea victory parade (Getty Images)

Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola believes Italian compatriot Roberto Di Matteo is likely to remain in charge of the Blues next season.

Di Matteo took over from sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas in March and guided the London outfit to their maiden Champions League title, along with the club's seventh FA Cup triumph.

Zola, who has been linked in recent months with the managerial job at Stamford Bridge, expects Di Matteo to be appointed as the club's permanent manager.

"Right now it's premature to judge what will happen on the Blues' bench or what will be my future," Zola said to Italian radio station Radio Mana Mana Sport.

"Di Matteo has done a great job with the Blues and I'm not that sure he will leave.

"For Chelsea, the (Champions League) final at the Allianz Arena was an extraordinary day. The atmosphere was unforgettable."

Zola, 45, has been out of a job since parting company with West Ham in May 2010.

PA