Pierluigi Casiraghi today distanced himself from reports he will join Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.

Casiraghi has been in charge of the Italy Under-21 side for two years with Zola working as his assistant.

Now that Zola has been given the green light to become West Ham manager it had been reported he could appoint his former Chelsea team-mate as his No2.

However, after a 1-1 draw with Croatia secured Italy's place in the play-offs for the European Under-21 Championships Casiraghi said: "Me to West Ham? No. It's very important to me to go to the Championships, and these players deserve it."

Zola, meanwhile, has vowed to deliver an entertaining style of football when he takes over.

The 42-year-old will succeed Alan Curbishley, whose team were criticised by some fans for being too dull.

Zola said: "I only know one way to play - attacking football.

"I want to excite people, that's why we play, isn't it? I was an offensive player who only knew one way to play. That's how my teams will always play."

Asked what reaction he expected from fans of West Ham and Chelsea, he said: "I know they have rivalry but that is not a problem. My playing career is in my past."