Roberto De Zerbi is the embodiment of the To Dare Is To Do mantra, and he arrives at Tottenham determined to inject belief and a clear identity into a squad that has struggled this season.
He has had just over a week to work with his new players and will already have a view on the immediate task: keep Spurs in the Premier League. From the outside the job looks appealing, but internally confidence is low and injuries are mounting. Still, De Zerbi appears convinced there is enough in the group to avoid relegation.
Training under the Italian has reportedly lifted the players and the early sessions have been positive. That optimism will be tested on Sunday when Spurs travel to Sunderland for De Zerbi’s first match in charge, live on Sky Sports. Tottenham could even begin the day inside the relegation zone if results elsewhere go against them.
Goalkeeper
De Zerbi will provide an update in his pre-match press conference on whether Guglielmo Vicario is fit to start. Vicario had hernia surgery during the international break and was not expected back for several weeks, so his availability is in doubt. If Vicario is unavailable, Antonin Kinsky is likely to take the gloves; the 23-year-old will be making his first start since being substituted early in February in the Champions League tie at Atletico Madrid and will be an important confidence test for the new coach.
Defence
In front of the goalkeeper De Zerbi will probably choose a conventional back four: Pedro Porro at right-back, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven as the centre-back pairing, and Destiny Udogie on the left. Udogie, who shares nationality with De Zerbi, could be favoured over Djed Spence, and that selection will be watched closely.
Midfield
The midfield setup is one of the more interesting calls. Lucas Bergvall has been pictured training regularly with De Zerbi and could be boosted by the change in coach. Archie Gray, who was Spurs’ most consistent performer under Igor Tudor, looks likely to retain a midfield berth. Joao Palhinha — noted for his tackling and defensive presence this season — remains an option if De Zerbi wants more physical heft. For now, a double pivot of Gray and Bergvall seems the likeliest short-term solution as De Zerbi looks to combine energy and composure in central areas.
Attack and formation
De Zerbi is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1. Xavi Simons, who produced a lively performance and a brace in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid but was then left out against Nottingham Forest, looks a strong candidate for the No.10 role where he influences the game most. With creativity scarce following Dejan Kulusevski’s season-ending injury and James Maddison still rehabilitating an ACL, Simons could become a key figure under De Zerbi.
On the right, Mathys Tel will hope to be available after a knock suffered against Forest; if he is not fit, Randal Kolo Muani could start there. Mohammed Kudus is still around a week away from returning, so Richarlison is the most plausible option on the left. Up front, Dominic Solanke is expected to lead the line despite a quiet international break.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Antonin Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall; Xavi Simons; Mathys Tel (or Randal Kolo Muani), Richarlison; Dominic Solanke.
Tactics and short-term priorities
There is debate over how quickly De Zerbi can impose his intense, front-footed style. Reports suggest he recognises the need to simplify his methods initially, prioritising clarity and immediate results rather than complexity. His short-term objective will be to restore confidence — a first Premier League win in 2026 would be a major psychological boost and could kick-start a run.
A key managerial test will be keeping Romero and van de Ven focused amid ongoing transfer speculation surrounding both defenders. Rumours and public comments can be disruptive; if De Zerbi can refocus them on the day-to-day and the collective goal of survival, Spurs will be in a stronger position to improve results.
Tottenham’s current predicament is a symptom of wider problems at the club, but the immediate and sole priority must be staying in the Premier League. If De Zerbi can steady the ship and secure survival, there will be time for deeper reviews and changes. For now, Spurs fans should prepare for a period of high emotion and energetic football under a passionate new coach.