Biography
Who is Roberto De Zerbi?
Playing career
Roberto De Zerbi began his professional path as a footballer at AC Milan. During his early years, he gained experience through several loan spells at various clubs across lower divisions, specifically within Serie B and Serie C2. He also spent time with Como during the 1999–2000 season alongside teammates Alberto Comazzi and Luca Saudati. After a period where his registration rights were split with Salernitana, Milan bought him back in June 2002 before transferring him to Foggia.
In 2006, the midfielder joined Napoli from Catania for a transfer fee of 2.5 million euros. Later in his playing career, he moved to Romania to compete for CFR Cluj in the Liga I. He initially joined the club on loan in February 2010 before securing a permanent three-year contract with the Romanian team later that same year.
Coaching in Italy
Roberto De Zerbi transitioned into coaching with a stint at Palermo in 2016, though his time there was challenging and concluded following a series of defeats. He later took charge of Benevento during the 2017–18 Serie A season. While the team faced relegation, his tactical approach and focus on possession-based football earned him positive attention from observers.
His most well-known Italian tenure began in June 2018 when he was appointed manager of Sassuolo. Under his leadership, the club achieved consecutive eighth-place finishes in the Italian top flight. They narrowly missed qualifying for the UEFA Conference League on goal difference at the end of the 2020–21 season. He eventually departed Sassuolo in May 2021.
International management
In May 2021, Roberto became the head coach of the Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk. He made history in September 2021 by winning the Ukrainian Super Cup against Dynamo Kyiv at the Olympic Stadium, becoming the first Italian manager to claim this specific trophy. He remained with the club until July 2022, when he left due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, having guided the team to the top of the league standings during that unfinished season.
Following his time in Ukraine, he moved to England to manage Brighton and Hove Albion. He signed a four-year contract in September 2022. He oversaw the club's first-ever qualification for European competition, specifically the UEFA Europa League, after a draw against Manchester City in May 2023. His tenure in England saw various highs, including victories over major teams and handling the club through the Europa League knockout stages.
Personal details and height
Roberto De Zerbi stands 175 centimeters tall. Born in Brescia, Italy, he is an Italian national. He was born on June 6, 1979, and his zodiac sign is Gemini. Throughout his career, he has managed several clubs including Calcio Padova, Calcio Foggia 1920, and S.S. Arezzo, alongside his prominent roles at larger clubs like Napoli and Brighton.
Birthday and age
Roberto De Zerbi was born on June 6, 1979, which makes Roberto 47 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Roberto shares the date with 52 other famous people.
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