Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Roberto De Zerbi

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Roberto De Zerbi made an impact.

Roberto De Zerbi is an Italian professional football manager and former player. He recently served as the head coach of Ligue 1 club Marseille. Known for his possession-based, attacking style of play, De Zerbi emphasizes building from the back and intricate passing patterns. His tactical approach focuses on creating overloads in midfield to dominate possession and generate scoring opportunities. Before Marseille, he gained recognition for his successful spells at Sassuolo and Brighton & Hove Albion, where he implemented his distinctive philosophy, transforming both teams into exciting and competitive sides known for their attractive football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1999: Loan to Como

In 1999, De Zerbi spent the 1999–2000 Serie C1 season in Como along with Alberto Comazzi and Luca Saudati of Milan.

2000: Serie C1 Season in Como

During the 2000 season, De Zerbi played the Serie C1 season in Como, alongside Alberto Comazzi and Luca Saudati from Milan.

2001: Sold to Salernitana

In the 2001-02 season, Half of De Zerbi's registration rights were also sold to Salernitana.

June 2002: Milan bought back De Zerbi from Salernitana, and subsequently sold him to Foggia

In June 2002, AC Milan repurchased De Zerbi from Salernitana and then immediately sold him to Foggia.

2006: Signed for Napoli

In 2006, De Zerbi signed for Serie B side Napoli from Catania for €2.5 million.

February 2010: Loan Transfer to CFR Cluj

On February 8, 2010, Napoli announced De Zerbi's loan transfer to Romanian Liga I club CFR Cluj.

August 2010: Permanent Deal with CFR Cluj

On August 31, 2010, De Zerbi's deal with CFR Cluj was made permanent on a three-year contract.

September 2016: Appointed as Palermo Head Coach

On September 6, 2016, De Zerbi was appointed head coach of Serie A club Palermo.

November 2016: Sacked by Palermo

On November 30, 2016, De Zerbi was sacked by Palermo after a series of negative results.

October 2017: Named Head Coach of Benevento

On October 23, 2017, De Zerbi was named head coach of Serie A newcomers Benevento.

June 2018: Appointed Manager of Sassuolo

On June 13, 2018, De Zerbi was appointed manager of Sassuolo.

2020: Sassuolo's Performance

In the 2020-21 Serie A season, Sassuolo, under De Zerbi's management, narrowly missed UEFA Conference League qualification due to goal difference.

May 2021: Departure from Sassuolo Announced

In May 2021, De Zerbi announced that he would leave Sassuolo at the end of the season.

May 2021: Appointed Head Coach of Shakhtar Donetsk

On May 25, 2021, De Zerbi was announced as the new head coach of Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk.

July 2022: Departure from Shakhtar Donetsk

De Zerbi departed Shakhtar Donetsk in July 2022 as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

September 2022: Appointed as Brighton & Hove Albion Head Coach

On September 18, 2022, De Zerbi succeeded Graham Potter as head coach of Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, signing a four-year contract.

January 2023: Brighton beats Liverpool in FA Cup

On 29 January 2023, De Zerbi's Brighton beat Liverpool, the defending champions, in the FA Cup fourth round.

2023: Brighton Qualifies for Europe

In May 2023, Brighton secured a top-seven finish, qualifying for Europe for the first time in the club's history, and later sealed their place in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League.

2023: De Zerbi's Departure Cites Irreconcilable Differences

In May 2024, it was cited that De Zerbi's public discontent surrounding Brighton's recruitment strategy during the 2023-24 season contributed towards the "irreconcilable differences" with Brighton's hierarchy that led to his departure.

March 2024: Speculation Surrounding De Zerbi's Future

During March 2024, De Zerbi's comments regarding his future at Brighton, amidst links with managerial positions at other clubs, invited speculation on whether he would leave. He emphasized the importance of the club's plan and his own motivation.

May 2024: De Zerbi Expresses Desire to Stay at Brighton

In May 2024, De Zerbi stated he would like to stay at Brighton due to his love for the players, city, club, and fans. He emphasized his passion for football as the main factor for his decision, indicating he would only consider leaving if he wasn't happy.

May 2024: Departure from Brighton Announced

On 18 May 2024, Brighton & Hove Albion announced a mutual agreement with De Zerbi to terminate his contract after the 2023–24 season. His discontent with recruitment strategy contributed to irreconcilable differences with the club's hierarchy.

June 2024: Appointed as Marseille Manager

In June 2024, Ligue 1 side Marseille appointed De Zerbi as manager on a three-year contract.

February 2026: Departure from Marseille

In February 2026, after being eliminated from the Champions League league phase and following a heavy loss to Paris Saint-Germain, De Zerbi and Marseille mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.