Gianfranco Zola described Wembley as “one of the temples of world football” and insisted all of the Watford players will be aware of the iconic venue’s history before the Championship play-off final.

The Hornets secured their place at ‘the home of football’ on Sunday in one of the most dramatic afternoons in the club’s history.

The 3-1 victory against Leicester City has secured a money-spinning promotion decider versus Crystal Palace on Monday, May 27.

Zola said: “Wembley is a great place. When you talk about Wembley, you are talking about one of the temples of world football so I will make sure every single player will know every bit of history about the stadium.”

Wembley has been an integral part of Zola’s career.

The Italian lifted silverware there on four occasions and also scored a winning goal for his country at the famous old stadium.

He was then part of the Italy Under-21 coaching team who took part in the first game at the new Wembley when it reopened in 2007.

Zola said: “That place has always been very good to me so I am hoping I can give the team some of my luck.

“It will be a fantastic day which we will be looking to win.

“Some of my players are very young to have a possibility like this so it will be fantastic for them.”

Zola celebrated Watford’s third and deciding goal on Sunday by running up the touchline before slipping over on his backside.

“You saw me hey; I thought I would get away with it,” Zola admitted when asked about his tumble.

“I don’t feel anything right now but I have probably pulled something and it will no doubt come tomorrow (Monday) morning.

“I just lost it. I don’t even know where I was going. I don’t know whether I was chasing Troy (Deeney) or someone else.

“That is football. I felt younger making that run.

“That is the passion,” he continued. “I said to myself that I have to be composed and respectful but when it happens, you can’t control it. That is why we love this game.”

There was a pitch invasion immediately after Deeney’s goal and then another following the final whistle.

It was a day which will live long in the memory of Watford supporters and after the match Zola said: “The fans deserve today. They have been great.

“They have started to be a bit louder and supportive towards the team. They have always been supportive but sometimes the noise and warmth they send from the stands can make a big difference. Today that was the case.”

The scenes on the pitch after the game were memorable and there were further celebrations in the players’ changing room.

The Hornets head coach believes the morale between the players has been a crucial part of the club’s success this season.

“It was unbelievable [in the dressing room],” Zola said. “That has been the difference for us; the stuff we play out there is good but the compactness, the pleasure and the enjoyment to stay together and create moments together has been unbelievable.

“You should have been there. It was remarkable.”

But Zola was keen to stress that reaching the final would count for very little unless the Golden Boys secured victory against Crystal Palace.

Zola said: “We did very well today (Sunday) but it is not the end of it.

“It is correct to celebrate and enjoy because it was tough today but we have another game to play which is even more important.

“Therefore, it is important that we celebrate and then in a few days time, start again.”