Roberto Di Matteo
FA Cup Status – Winner (Chelsea) 1997, 2000
Matteo moved from Lazio to Chelsea in the summer of 1996 and he made a huge impact instantly at the club. Di Matteo helped Chelsea reach the final of the 1997 FA Cup final and on the day his name went into the record books, he scored the fastest ever goal in a cup final at Wembley with a stunning strike after 42 seconds of play. The goal proved to be crucial as Chelsea beat Middlesbrough 2-0. Three years later, Di Matteo once again made the difference in an FA Cup final match as he scored the only goal of the match for Chelsea in a final encounter with Aston Villa. In theory, Di Matteo has won Chelsea to FA Cups during his five years at the club. It is fair to say that Di Matteo has made the most impact on the FA Cup out of all Italians ever to play in England.

Gianfranco Zola
FA Cup Status – Winner (Chelsea) 1997, 2000
Zola moved to Chelsea from Parma in the summer of 1996 and was one of the most skilful players ever to play in the FA Cup. In his debut season at the club he helped take Chelsea to the 1997 FA Cup final. The following season, he was the star of the Chelsea team as he helped them win the league cup and UEFA Cup. Another trophy was added to the cabinet as Chelsea won the first FA Cup of the new millennium. In 1997 Zola was named the Football writers association player of the year.

Marc Overmars
FA Cup Status – Winner (Arsenal) 1998
Overmars moved to Arsenal in the summer of 1997 and he became an instant favourite at Highbury. The highlight of his Arsenal career could be his winning goal in the 1998 FA Cup final. He also helped them win the ‘double’ that season. In total, Overmars played 125 times for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals.