Italian Zaccheroni led the East Asians to their last continental title back in 2011 during four years at the helm of the Samurai Blue before stepping down following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

After a short stint in China with Beijing Guoan in 2016, Zaccheroni was tempted back into international management in October last year as the UAE entrusted the former AC Milan and Juventus head coach as the man to bring glory to the Gulf state on home soil in early 2019.

The-AFC.com looks at what could unfold at the prestigious tournament draw event in Dubai and which teams could be pitted against one another in the proverbial group of death, groups of champions, familiar foes and more.

First Round:

The first round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 took place more than three years ago in March 2015.

Sunil Chhetri netted twice for India in a 2-0 home victory over Nepal in Guwahati and the South Asians advanced to the next stage by the same scoreline after a scoreless draw in the second leg in Guwahati.

Elsewhere, Yemen overcame Pakistan, while there were also wins for Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste, who all advanced to the second round of qualifying.

As excitement for the continental competition starts to build, the-AFC.com picks out some of the key statistics from a tournament which boasts a proud history dating all the way back to 1956.

We take a closer look at the factors behind these remarkable achievements.

The results

Kyrgyz Republic 5-1 Myanmar (Shamshiev, Zemlianukhin (2), Lux, Sagynbaev)

Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 India (Zemlianukhin, Murzaev)

Having already secured top spot in the standings, the West Asians went in front inside 20 minutes when captain Hassan Maatouk converted from the spot after he was brought down in the box.

Malaysia levelled in the final 20 minutes through Syafiq Ahmad but the Southeast Asians were denied what would have been only their second point of the campaign when Al Helwe volleyed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it five wins from six for Lebanon.

With first and last place in Group B already decided, there was only pride to play for in the Lebanese capital, and it was the table-toppers who seized the early initiative.

Maatouk, who had netted in four of the five group stage games prior to Tuesday, was fouled inside the penalty area by Malaysia defender Matthew Davies in the 18th minute, before dusting himself down to dispatch the ensuing penalty.

A frenetic final day of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 saw DPR Korea, the Philippines and Yemen taking the last three available spots on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic ended their campaign with a 2-1 win over India in Group A but they had sealed their place in the Finals after defeating Myanmar 5-1 last Thursday.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the three teams who have taken their place among the Continent’s best for next January’s extravaganza in the United Arab Emirates.