Signed Photograph Gianfranco Zola – Action in the Box vs Leeds United – Chelsea Premier League – COA Included

Signed photo of Gianfranco Zola against Leeds United: a goal action in the opponents' area, a symbol of the Sardinian champion's class

A highly dynamic colour photograph capturing Gianfranco Zola in a top-quality offensive action: the Chelsea striker, wearing the blue Umbro Home shirt with Autoglass sponsor, controls the ball in the opponents' penalty area, tightly marked by a Leeds United defender in a yellow shirt, number 5, with the name "Radebe" clearly legible on his back. In the background, the Yorkshire Whites' goalkeeper, in a black shirt with Pickwell sponsor, attentively observes the play, ready to intervene. The PlayStation advertising hoardings on the sidelines place the shot in the golden age of the Premier League in the late nineties. The dynamism of the scene, with three protagonists captured in the same decisive moment, perfectly conveys Zola's superb talent in playing in tight spaces. Its 15x10 cm dimensions make it a compact and highly evocative piece. Gianfranco Zola's original autograph is affixed with a black marker pen in the centre of the image, large, bold and perfectly legible. Excellent condition, impeccable preservation.

The Champion: Gianfranco Zola

Gianfranco Zola (Oliena, 5 July 1966) is a sports executive, football manager and former Italian footballer, currently vice president of Lega Pro. A Chelsea legend, he is considered one of the strongest Italian strikers of all time and has been nominated twice for the Ballon d'Or. Having developed internationally with Maradona's Napoli and with Parma, he moved to Chelsea in 1996, becoming an absolute idol for London fans thanks to his superb technique, flair and unique ability to resolve matches in very tight spaces. In 2004, in virtue of the achievements made in England, he was awarded the honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his sporting merits during his stay at the London club, while in 2023 he was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame. He made 35 appearances for the National team, participating in the 1994 World Cup and the 1996 European Championship.

Certificate of Authenticity COA

This autograph comes with a free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) issued exclusively by the most authoritative independent third-party certification bodies in the world of collecting (PSA, JSA, Beckett, Epperson, Autograph COA or Associazione Autografia) — both included in the price.

What is an original signed photograph?

An original signed photograph is a unique historical document in which the protagonist's signature has been applied directly to the print in certified presence, without intermediaries. It differs from printed reproductions or facsimiles by precise and verifiable elements: the natural and irregular pressure of the stroke, the three-dimensionality of the ink on the photographic surface, the spontaneity of the graphic gesture. In the case of action photographs portraying multiple protagonists in the same frame, the collecting value is amplified by the complexity and uniqueness of the game moment represented. In addition to these elements, the free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and the COA included in the price provide internationally recognised protection.

Authenticity and MTM guarantee

MTM Memorabilia is the Italian benchmark for discerning collectors of authentic sports memorabilia. Each piece is selected with rigorous quality and provenance criteria by our experts. The originality of the medium is guaranteed directly by MTM, while the provenance and veracity of the autograph are declared by the free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA). Each shipment is made with rigid, shockproof and moisture-proof packaging to ensure maximum protection during transport. Express courier with delivery within 24/72 hours of payment confirmation, both for Italy and abroad.