Gianfranco Zola has said that Leicester City were "unfortunate" to lose to his side in the semi-finals of the Championship playoffs.

Troy Deeney scored a 98th-minute winner for Watford, sealing the Hornets a place in the playoff final at Wembley later this month.

The Watford manager told Sky Sports News: "This is what football is all about. I feel for my colleague, Nigel [Pearson], he's a great guy and a great manager. He's got all my respect. His team played very well, they were unfortunate.

"I think we deserved something today and we have to make sure to win the next game. When I saw their penalty, I felt bad. It was meant to be. We are going to be much stronger after this game.

"We have been working very hard and suffering this season, I think we deserve to be there."

Watford will play either Brighton or Crystal Palace in the final for a place in next season's Premier League.