On 4 June 2012 it was confirmed that Zeman would be new head coach of his former club Roma, signing a two-year contract, effective from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014; his staff will be composed by assistant manager Vincenzo Cangelosi, technical collaborator Giacomo Modica and fitness coach Roberto Ferola.
Pada 4 Juni 2012, ditegaskan bahwa Zeman akan menjadi pelatih baru dari mantan klubnya, AS Roma dan menandatangani kontrak dua tahun, efektif mulai 1 Juli 2012 sampai 30 Juni 2014; stafnya akan disusun oleh asisten manajer Vincenzo Cangelosi, kolaborator teknis Giacomo Modica dan pelatih kebugaran Roberto Ferola.