Interviews

Virgo: De Zerbi's teams go toe-to-toe with anyone

Roberto's Benevento and Sassuolo teams were fearless, according to Adam Virgo.

By Charlie Hanson • 27 September 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Roberto De Zerbi's third home game as Albion boss is against Chelsea on Saturday.

Adam Virgo is sure Albion will continue their bold approach against the ‘big teams’ in the Premier League.

We put Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United to the sword last season, as well as taking points off Liverpool and Chelsea.

Virgo, who works as a co-commentator covering Serie A for BT Sport, sees no reason as to why that can’t continue.

“The Brighton team has developed over time,” Virgo reflected. “There was a period where we were probably just trying to stay in games against big teams, but this is where Brighton have evolved and have proven they are more than capable of competing against those big teams consistently, including away from home.

By Paul Hazlewood
The head coach took his first training session on Monday.

“That comes from belief in the system and ideas the head coach has. Roberto had that at Sassuolo, he made them a stable team. But against the big teams such as AC Milan, Inter and Juventus, they were incredibly competitive. The style of play is really good on the eye. I can see exactly why this appointment ticks so many boxes.

"Sassuolo work with a very similar model and you can see why Brighton identified Roberto as next in line.

“Yes, it’s a different league, but seeing the way he performed at Sassuolo is a really good indicator of what he can do. When Roberto was in charge and I knew I was covering his team’s games I knew I was going to be entertained and see a good game of football.”

While De Zerbi’s reputation was cemented at Sassuolo, he rose to prominence while in charge of Benevento.

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Meet Roberto De Zerbi!

Put in charge after losing their opening nine games of the season, Roberto implemented a new style of play, claiming six league wins including a victory over AC Milan at the San Siro.

“Even when he was at Benevento and they got relegated they still got so many plaudits and praise. The style of play and amount he got out of those players put him on the map, he can work with players and help them develop.

“I know it’s a results business, but if your model of a football club is having a manager who can work within a budget and develop players you only have to look at the job that he did at Benevento to see that. He got them playing in a certain way and got a lot of respect in Italy for that.”