Blab Sports
Brescias Collapse Fuels Tottenhams Revival Through De Zerbi and Tonali
When Brescia Calcio was declared bankrupt and liquidated on 2 August 2025, the city’s football heartbeat did not die—it simply shifted gears. The 114‑year‑old club had been sidelined by mounting debt and unpaid wages, prompting Italian authorities to strip it of professional status. Yet, the spirit of Brescia’s terraces lived on.
In the summer that followed, a new club—Union Brescia—was born to fill the void in Serie C. The team calls the historic Stadio Mario Rigamonti home, the same ground that once echoed with the cheers of Roberto Baggio, Pep Guardiola, and, more recently, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi’s ties to the city run deep. Growing up in the club’s “curva,” he watched his father, Alfredo, preside over local supporters’ groups. In Football According to Roberto de Zerbi, he writes that he was “born an ultra” and that his family “lived and breathed football.” His earliest coaching lessons came from assisting a friend who ran youth sessions at the academy, a humble start that would shape his future philosophy.
Those roots have seeped into his work at Tottenham. He often cites the terraces of Brescia as a formative influence on his coaching style and has repeatedly used the “V” sign of the Brescia supporters during matches. The emphasis on working‑class terrace culture has resonated with Tottenham’s fan base and has been highlighted by the club’s media as a key factor in the team’s recent revival.
Sandro Tonali shares a parallel narrative. He entered Brescia’s youth system at 12, debuted for the senior side at 17, and helped the club return to Serie A before moving to AC Milan in 2020. De Zerbi has followed Tonali’s progress from a young age and has spoken about the bond they share. Tonali’s £100 million move to Tottenham, announced in July 2025, included a solidarity contribution that could grant Brescia Calcio a share of the fee—estimated at about £3.5 million—under FIFA’s scheme.
Tonali’s wife was present at Union Brescia’s Serie C play‑offs earlier this year, where the club fell to Ascoli in the final. The transfer, therefore, carries a personal dimension for Tonali, who has expressed gratitude for the support he received from Brescia fans.
The club’s financial collapse also sparked questions about the future of the city’s football infrastructure. Massimo Cellino, the former owner, had reportedly considered reviving the club using the solidarity money, but that prospect died after the court ruling that liquidated the club. Union Brescia now operates independently and is focused on climbing the Italian football pyramid.
For Tottenham, the Brescia connection has become a narrative of resilience. The club’s recent turnaround—including a strong finish in the Premier League and a run to the Champions League semi‑finals—has been linked to De Zerbi’s leadership and the fresh energy brought by Tonali. The club’s media has highlighted the “Brescian spirit” as a key element in the team’s identity.
Looking ahead, Tottenham will face a congested schedule that includes the remainder of the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League group stage. Tonali is expected to feature regularly in midfield, while De Zerbi continues to build on the tactical foundations he introduced last season. Union Brescia, meanwhile, will aim for promotion from Serie C, with the club’s supporters hoping to see their team return to higher levels of Italian football.
In summary, the bankruptcy of Brescia Calcio and the emergence of Union Brescia have had a ripple effect beyond the Italian leagues. The shared heritage between De Zerbi, Tonali, and the city of Brescia has become a symbol of perseverance that is now reflected in Tottenham’s recent successes and the ongoing ambitions of Union Brescia.
In the summer that followed, a new club—Union Brescia—was born to fill the void in Serie C. The team calls the historic Stadio Mario Rigamonti home, the same ground that once echoed with the cheers of Roberto Baggio, Pep Guardiola, and, more recently, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi’s ties to the city run deep. Growing up in the club’s “curva,” he watched his father, Alfredo, preside over local supporters’ groups. In Football According to Roberto de Zerbi, he writes that he was “born an ultra” and that his family “lived and breathed football.” His earliest coaching lessons came from assisting a friend who ran youth sessions at the academy, a humble start that would shape his future philosophy.
Those roots have seeped into his work at Tottenham. He often cites the terraces of Brescia as a formative influence on his coaching style and has repeatedly used the “V” sign of the Brescia supporters during matches. The emphasis on working‑class terrace culture has resonated with Tottenham’s fan base and has been highlighted by the club’s media as a key factor in the team’s recent revival.
Sandro Tonali shares a parallel narrative. He entered Brescia’s youth system at 12, debuted for the senior side at 17, and helped the club return to Serie A before moving to AC Milan in 2020. De Zerbi has followed Tonali’s progress from a young age and has spoken about the bond they share. Tonali’s £100 million move to Tottenham, announced in July 2025, included a solidarity contribution that could grant Brescia Calcio a share of the fee—estimated at about £3.5 million—under FIFA’s scheme.
Tonali’s wife was present at Union Brescia’s Serie C play‑offs earlier this year, where the club fell to Ascoli in the final. The transfer, therefore, carries a personal dimension for Tonali, who has expressed gratitude for the support he received from Brescia fans.
The club’s financial collapse also sparked questions about the future of the city’s football infrastructure. Massimo Cellino, the former owner, had reportedly considered reviving the club using the solidarity money, but that prospect died after the court ruling that liquidated the club. Union Brescia now operates independently and is focused on climbing the Italian football pyramid.
For Tottenham, the Brescia connection has become a narrative of resilience. The club’s recent turnaround—including a strong finish in the Premier League and a run to the Champions League semi‑finals—has been linked to De Zerbi’s leadership and the fresh energy brought by Tonali. The club’s media has highlighted the “Brescian spirit” as a key element in the team’s identity.
Looking ahead, Tottenham will face a congested schedule that includes the remainder of the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League group stage. Tonali is expected to feature regularly in midfield, while De Zerbi continues to build on the tactical foundations he introduced last season. Union Brescia, meanwhile, will aim for promotion from Serie C, with the club’s supporters hoping to see their team return to higher levels of Italian football.
In summary, the bankruptcy of Brescia Calcio and the emergence of Union Brescia have had a ripple effect beyond the Italian leagues. The shared heritage between De Zerbi, Tonali, and the city of Brescia has become a symbol of perseverance that is now reflected in Tottenham’s recent successes and the ongoing ambitions of Union Brescia.
