Roberto Di Matteo has spoken of his admiration for The FA Cup, as clubs and fans across the country prepare for this weekend’s Third Round Proper.
The Italian has a real affinity with the competition, having lifted The Cup as both a player and manager during his time with Chelsea.
His first taste came of success came when he scored the opening goal of the 1997 Final after just 42 seconds, as Chelsea beat Middlesbrough at Wembley.
Roberto Di Matteo in his spell as Chelsea manager.
He then collected a second winners’ medal three years later when his second-half goal against Aston Villa proved to be the winner.
And he returned to Wembley in 2012 as Chelsea boss, to lead the west London club to a 2-1 victory over Liverpool and seal a unique Cup treble for himself.
"It's a great competition because it just gets the whole country moving and interested in football,” he told TheFA.com.
"It's got the tradition as well and it's well respected throughout the world.
"I don't think there's another domestic competition in any other country in the world that has such an importance on the society when all of the focus is on The FA Cup.”
All three of Di Matteo’s former clubs are in action this weekend, with Chelsea facing Derby County on Sunday, MK Dons drawn away to Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion hosting Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Watch the video interview with Di Matteo, speaking at the FA Licensed Coach’s Club Conference last month in the video player above.
