Roberto de Zerbi's 'ultra' ethos and the Brescia roots now aiding Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur's recent success is being linked to a shared cultural background from the Italian city of Brescia, involving manager Roberto de Zerbi and player Sandro Tonali. The article explores their roots in the city's football culture amid the financial collapse of the original Brescia Calcio.
Why it matters
It provides a human-interest angle on how personal history and regional identity influence professional sports management and team dynamics.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Roberto de Zerbi grew up as a fan of Brescia, where Tottenham's club record signing Sandro Tonali also played
There is a distinctly Brescian feel to N17 of late. While the Italian city's famous old club were effectively declared bankrupt this week, a footballing passion forged at Stadio Mario Rigamonti may be fuelling Tottenham Hotspur 's revival.
Roberto de Zerbi, the manager who saved Spurs from relegation last season, was raised on the terraces of Brescia's 'curva' by his father, Alfredo, who was president of the supporters' clubs. De Zerbi says he was "born an ultra".
"My dad is crazy about football. He was one of the leaders of the Brescia tifoseria. At home, we lived and breathed football. He was the one who passed that passion on to me," the Italian told Salim Lamrani in his book Football According to Roberto de Zerbi.
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