De Zerbi Implements Italian Team-Building Method at Struggling Tottenham

Roberto De Zerbi is implementing a traditional Italian team-building exercise with Tottenham Hotspur, despite a similar strategy failing with Igor Tudor.

The Italian coach is the third manager for Spurs this troubled season, and with the team currently in the Premier League relegation zone, he is exploring various methods to foster collaboration among the players.

De Zerbi takes Tottenham out to dinner

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, shakes hands with Richarlison after the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

According to Telegraph Sport, De Zerbi took the entire squad out to dinner at Bacchanalia restaurant in Mayfair this week.

This approach is common in Italian football for boosting team spirit, especially during challenging times.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso employed a similar tactic with players when time for traditional training was limited.

Igor Tudor, a former manager for Juventus, Udinese, and Lazio, also tried this method at Tottenham in February, but it yielded limited success as he left the club without securing a Premier League victory.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – APRIL 12: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks down during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on April 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“My job now is not to coach a style, with or without the ball, but try to give the players what they need in terms of mentality,” said De Zerbi after losing on his debut to Sunderland.

“My style is to trust the confidence of the players. During the week, they play better because they are clean in their heads, but in the game it is different. My work must be to get them to show what they are doing during the week in a game.”