Introduction
Roberto De Zerbi has established himself as one of football’s most innovative coaches. Known for his attacking philosophy and tactical intelligence, he has led teams across Italy, Ukraine, England, and now France. In 2025, he is managing Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1, continuing his journey of transforming clubs with his bold style of play.
His career has been filled with challenges, but his commitment to possession-based football has made him one of the most respected managers in the game today. This article explores his rise from a modest playing career to becoming one of Europe’s most exciting coaches.
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Early Life and Playing Career
Born in Brescia, Italy, in 1979, De Zerbi began his footballing journey at AC Milan’s academy. However, he never made a first-team appearance for the Rossoneri. Instead, he spent his playing career in Italy’s lower divisions, turning out for clubs like Monza, Padova, and Avellino.
As a player, he was a technically gifted midfielder who thrived in attacking roles. Though his playing career lacked major success, his deep understanding of the game made him a natural fit for coaching.
Coaching Beginnings: Finding His Philosophy
After retiring, Roberto De Zerbi wasted no time in transitioning to coaching. He started with amateur side Darfo Boario in 2013, before moving to Foggia in 2014.
At Foggia, he gained attention for his attacking philosophy. He led the club to victory in the 2016 Coppa Italia Serie C and narrowly missed promotion to Serie B. His teams played quick, possession-based football, always looking to dominate opponents.
His success with Foggia earned him a shot at a Serie A club.
Challenges in Serie A: Palermo and Benevento
Palermo – A Short-Lived Experience
In 2016, Palermo hired De Zerbi as their head coach. However, the club was in turmoil. Frequent managerial changes and internal instability made his job difficult. After a poor run of results, he was sacked after just three months.
Despite this setback, his attacking ideas continued to gain admirers.
Benevento – Fighting Against the Odds
In 2017, De Zerbi took charge of Benevento, a newly promoted Serie A side struggling at the bottom of the table. The club lost its first 14 league matches, setting a record for the worst start in Serie A history.
However, under De Zerbi, Benevento improved dramatically. His tactics helped them secure memorable wins, including a shock victory over AC Milan. Though they were ultimately relegated, his coaching ability became widely recognized.
Rise to Prominence: Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk
Sassuolo – Establishing His Identity
In 2018, Roberto De Zerbi joined Sassuolo, where he truly made his name. Over three seasons, he transformed the club into one of the most exciting teams in Serie A.
Sassuolo played an aggressive, attacking style, focusing on short passes and positional play. Under De Zerbi, the club achieved consecutive eighth-place finishes, narrowly missing out on European qualification. He also developed young talents like Manuel Locatelli and Domenico Berardi.
His work at Sassuolo caught the attention of bigger European clubs.
Shakhtar Donetsk – Winning a Trophy in Ukraine
In 2021, De Zerbi moved abroad to manage Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. He quickly led them to the Ukrainian Super Cup, becoming the first Italian manager to win the trophy.
Unfortunately, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 forced him to leave the club. Despite his short tenure, he had made a significant impact.
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Premier League Success: Brighton & Hove Albion
In 2022, Brighton appointed De Zerbi to replace Graham Potter. Many doubted whether he could adapt to the intensity of English football. However, he quickly silenced critics.
Brighton flourished under his leadership, finishing sixth in the 2022-23 season—the highest position in the club’s history. They also qualified for European competition for the first time ever.
His tactical approach made Brighton one of the most entertaining teams in England. He encouraged players to take risks, dominate possession, and create attacking overloads.
By the time he left Brighton in 2024, he was one of the most sought-after managers in Europe.
The Marseille Project: A New Challenge in Ligue 1
In 2024, Roberto De Zerbi accepted a new challenge—managing Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1. The club had struggled for consistency in recent years, and fans hoped De Zerbi could bring stability and success.
His impact was immediate. Marseille started the 2024-25 season with a dominant 5-1 win over Brest, displaying fluid attacking football. Under his guidance, the team became a strong contender for the Ligue 1 title.
However, his time in France has not been without controversy.
Controversy in Ligue 1
De Zerbi has been vocal about his frustration with Ligue 1 refereeing. After a controversial match against Auxerre, he publicly criticized the officiating, calling it "scandalous."
In a shocking statement, he declared that he would never manage in France again due to the poor refereeing standards. This outburst put his future at Marseille in doubt, raising questions about how long he would remain in Ligue 1.
Despite these challenges, Marseille fans continue to support him, hoping he can bring trophies to the club.
Tactical Philosophy: What Makes De Zerbi Special?
Attacking Football
Roberto De Zerbi believes in attacking, possession-based football. His teams always look to control the game, building play from the back and creating numerical advantages in midfield.
High-Intensity Pressing
He demands high pressing from his players, forcing opponents into mistakes. His teams work tirelessly to win the ball back quickly after losing possession.
Risk-Taking and Creativity
Unlike more conservative coaches, De Zerbi encourages his players to take risks. He allows defenders to carry the ball forward and midfielders to play ambitious passes. His philosophy rewards creativity and unpredictability.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for De Zerbi?
Despite his recent frustrations in Ligue 1, De Zerbi remains one of the most respected coaches in Europe. If he leaves Marseille, many clubs will be eager to hire him.
There have already been rumors linking him to major clubs, including Manchester United. Some believe he could also return to Italy to coach a top Serie A club.
Wherever he goes next, one thing is certain—De Zerbi will continue to revolutionize football with his bold and exciting style.
Conclusion
Roberto De Zerbi’s career is a story of resilience, tactical brilliance, and constant evolution. From his early struggles in Serie A to his success at Brighton and Marseille, he has proven himself as a top coach.
His attacking philosophy has earned him admiration worldwide. Whether he stays in Ligue 1 or moves to another league, his influence on modern football will only continue to grow.
De Zerbi is not just a manager—he is a visionary shaping the future of the game.
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