‘Spare us the sarcasm’ – Italian press rip into Tottenham’s RDZ, manager challenged to ‘get more results’

Tottenham‘s Roberto De Zerbi made comments about Serie A after the draw against Everton at the weekend, partly to defend himself. This hasn’t left the Italian media pleased.

Spurs were held to another 0-0 draw at home by the Toffees at the weekend. De Zerbi used the goalless draws as a way to legitimise himself and how that would be seen in Serie A.

He said: “For example, in Italy I should be the best coach, right? Two games, two games without conceding a goal.”

“What would La Gazzetta dello Sport write? Two games without conceding a goal. What will you write tomorrow, a game without conceding a goal or zero goals? Tell me what you really want to write.”

Naturally, the Tottenham manager has faced a backlash in the Italian press.

De Zerbi challenged to get results

Il Messaggero have taken note of De Zerbi’s sarcasm and the newspaper have no intention of backing away from criticising him. They make it clear that Italian football is making progress but the Tottenham manager is not.

They write – via IlNapolista: “Italy is getting closer to Europe. And perhaps soon we won’t be mocked anymore by De Zerbi, who is in serious trouble at Tottenham but the other day, to get out of trouble, he mocked us. “I’ve kept two clean sheets in a row: in Italy they’d tell me I’m the best.” The English in the room burst into laughter.”

It doesn’t end there, as the Rome outlet bring up Italy’s World Cup wins. They challenge De Zerbi to at least win a game of football.

“Mr. De Zerbi should spare us the sarcasm about his country, which is now behind but has a glorious history and has won four World Cups to England’s one. 

“At least he, in an Italian way, should get more results and less jokes. If he can do it.”

Our take: Self preservation at expense of country

De Zerbi’s claims were a classic way of swerving blame but he has found himself burning bridges. The comments didn’t impress Tottenham fans, let alone impressing anyone in his home country.

Beyond that, two goalless draws would be appreciated in Serie A, if a manager is in-charge of Sassuolo when the club is battling in mid-table. It wouldn’t be taken too well if a manager is operating at a much bigger club than the Neroverdi.

Unfortunately, De Zerbi hasn’t done that in Serie A and it shows. For now, he should focus on getting his team to score.