Gianfranco Zola believes Antonio Conte has had a "great impact" on Chelsea since arriving in the summer.
Although the Blues dropped their first points of the season, in a 2-2 draw with Swansea, to fall off the pace of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, Chelsea legend Zola has only noted positives since Conte took charge at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea played a great game [against Swansea] and the draw's a bit unfair on them," Zola told RAI television. "Conte's had a great impact here in London. People are appreciating his work and I've got to say he deserves it."
Conte was up against another Italian in Francesco Guidolin and, with Walter Mazzarri and Claudio Ranieri also working in England's top division this season, there is a strong legion of Italians working in the Premier League, a trend which impresses Zola.
"Yes, it's nice to see and it's good too, because it means that we are still considered very highly," the former Watford coach said.
"There are so many sides who can win it. We saw it [in the Manchester derby] -- two fantastic teams who played a great match, then there is Chelsea, Liverpool and even Tottenham are doing well. I don't know who will win, but City's first half yesterday was impressive."