Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time making an impact at Tottenham, with Italian legend Alessandro Nesta offered a role within his coaching staff.
The Italian tactician was confirmed as Spurs’ new manager on Tuesday afternoon, marking his return to the Premier League. As he begins preparations to steer the club away from relegation danger, De Zerbi has started assembling his backroom team, turning to one of the most respected defenders of the 2000s.
Reports from Tuttosport indicate that Nesta, now 50 and a 2006 World Cup winner, has been approached to become De Zerbi’s assistant manager. The former centre-back is currently weighing up the offer, having only held head coach roles throughout his managerial career so far.
Since retiring, Nesta has managed several clubs including Miami FC, Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza. His most recent spell at Monza saw him dismissed in December 2024 with the team bottom of Serie A, only to be reinstated seven weeks later. However, he was unable to turn their fortunes around, as the club finished 20th and were relegated to Serie B.
A move to Tottenham would mark his first coaching role outside Italy and bring significant experience to De Zerbi’s staff. As a player, Nesta enjoyed immense success, starring for Lazio in the early 2000s before becoming a key figure at AC Milan, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2003 and 2007.
De Zerbi and his team are set to take charge of their first match away at Sunderland a week on Sunday. Speaking about his immediate objectives, he emphasised that climbing the Premier League table remains the club’s top priority until the end of the season.
It is also reported that De Zerbi will earn between £12 million and £15 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid managers in the league. Despite Tottenham’s precarious position, his contract is not believed to include a relegation release clause.
The Italian was swiftly identified as the club’s top choice following Igor Tudor’s short and underwhelming 44-day spell, which ended without a win. Other candidates considered included Edin Terzić, Marco Rose and former caretaker boss Ryan Mason.
