The Italian's cross-cum-shot looped over the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 against Qarabag on an impressive full debut for the Blues.
Zappacosta, signed on deadline day from Torino. And on his Champions League debut, the Italian collected the ball, and lifted his head to see which team-mates were in the box before lashing a strike past the Qarabag keeper.
It left many fans wondering whether the 25-year-old actually meant it - but Manager, Antonio Conte has cleared it up.
In his post-match press conference, the head coach admitted the goal was unintentional and he was trying to pick out a team-mate.
Conte said: "He has said that he wanted to cross. (But) he scored and it's important for us."
Chelsea beat Azerbaijan's Qarabag 6-0 on the night.
The Blues are now in control of Group C with 3 points, as Atletico Madrid and Roma played out a goalless draw same day.
"Now we have to continue," said head coach Conte after Chelsea's second of seven September games.
"We have to rest (on Wednesday) and then to start to think about the next game, a strong game, a tough game against Arsenal (on Sunday)."
Meanwhile, that Zappacosta's strike was a new landmark goal, after he became the 100th different Italian player to score in the Champions League.
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