Paul Elliot first came across both Ranieri and Franco during his own playing days as a rival in Italy. Ever since these first meetings Paul has been a keen admirer of both Italians respective abilities.
However despite such admirations and respect for Ranieri’s ability to develop the highly impressive “new Chelsea”, Paul does not subscribe to the view that his old club are now favourites to win the FA Cup quarter-final replay against the Arse following the drama of their 2-2 draw at Highbury.
"You have to take an overview of Arsenal's record against Chelsea. In 30 months of Ranieri's reign they have not beaten Arsenal," he said.
"There have been some fantastic games at Chelsea where Arsenal have won impressively and I think they will still be the favourites bearing in mind their record against Chelsea."
Despite Chelsea’s normally excellent home form, Paul does not believe that playing away will make any difference to Arsenal when the two “duel” again come the 25th March.
"It's Arsenal we are talking about here," he said
"Chelsea may be more comfortable at home but I don't think it's the sort of game where home advantage means anything. Arsenal are such a strong side - home or away.
"It's like an Old Firm game where it doesn't matter whether Celtic and Rangers are at home," said the veteran of a number of Glasgow derbies in the green and white hoops.
"It can come down to who gets the run of the ball. I feel the way Wenger has got his team it probably depends as much on their approach to the game as anything and Chelsea are not silly enough to be complacent."
Elliott said: "Ranieri has a tremendous amount of respect for Wenger and, as well as coming down to who takes the chances, who defends well, it could be who gets that little bit of luck.
"It could all be decided by one lapse of concentration, in defence or attack. It's such a fine line."
Ranieri and the young Zola were both at Napoli when Elliott first noticed them during his time at Bari in Serie A and he has continued to be impressed.
"Ranieri has coached in Italy, Spain and the Premiership - the three best leagues in the world - and has picked up a wealth of experience which has benefited Chelsea," he added.
"Many people didn't know about Zola back then but I was telling people in this country that I had seen this player with magic in his feet.
"He is a great player and a proper gentleman. He's one of those players supporters everywhere want to see. You go into any stadium in Britain and there is always a huge amount of respect for him."
With regard to the great debate concerning concentrating on the FA Cup or Champion’s League qualification Paul simply offered, "If you told chairman Ken Bates they were going to lose the replay but finish fourth in the league and qualify for the Champions League he would probably take that."