Zdenek Zeman will be the new coach of Roma according to the 65-year-old Czech's current boss at Pescara, Daniele Sebastiani.

Zeman has a big reputation in Italy dating back to his days as coach of Foggia in the 1990s.

He has just guided Pescara to promotion to Serie A but it appears he will now return to the Italian capital where he previously coached for two seasons from 1997-99.

"We were together until 1am, we had dinner on a boat, we joked and chatted but despite his decision our relationship remains excellent, it was an inevitable decision," Pescara president Sebastiani told a local radio station.

"Returning to the capital was too strong an attraction for him. Zeman will leave but a piece of his heart will remain in Pescara."

Zeman has a cult following in Italy. During his second stint as Foggia coach he created a vibrant attacking outfit that became known as the 'Miracle of Foggia' as he guided the provincial team from the third division to the brink of UEFA Cup qualification.

His style of play became known as 'Zemanlandia' and he proved this season he has lost none of his principals as Pescara set a new Serie B single-season scoring record with 90 goals in 42 games.

That was 50 percent more goals than any other side managed, although they also conceded more than most of the rest of the top half teams despite winning the title.

This move will mark a return to Roma after 13 seasons and also a return to the big time after almost as long.

Apart from a brief stint at Red Star Belgrade, Zeman has operated only in the Italian lower divisions since 2000.

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