Though Chelsea's players have been told the beleaguered Avram Grant is in charge for the time being, the Israeli is not popular with the squad and is almost certain to be ousted if Chelsea are beaten in the Champions League at Valencia tomorrow and do not win at Bolton next weekend.
Zola, like Grant, does not have a UEFA Pro licence, but is working towards it with the Italian FA. Chelsea want to tempt him back to his beloved Bridge with an established international name alongside him ? and World Cup winner Lippi is the man.