Italian sports papers praise Roberto De Zerbi highlighting that his Brighton side ‘dominated’ Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium.
The Seagulls lost 6-7 on penalties at Wembley on Saturday, but Italian papers argue De Zerbi can be proud of his players.
Corriere dello Sport, Gazzetta and Tuttosport wrote on Monday’s printed editions that De Zerbi’s Brighton were the better side in the FA Cup semis against Manchester United although the Red Devils eventually earned a spot in the Final where they will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
“Brighton can keep their heads held high although they have regrets because they had been the better side for a long time in the game,” wrote Gabriele Marcotti on Il Corriere dello Sport.
“De Zerbi was without the young striker Ferguson but lined up an attacking Brighton with Gross, an attacking midfielder, playing as a right-back. He, alongside March, created trouble for Man United down the left flank.”
“Roberto De Zerbi’s dream was whipped away by the rain in Wembley. Brighton lost on penalties a match that will give De Zerbi regrets and sleepless nights,” added Gazzetta.
The pink paper also pointed out that De Zerbi’s voice was ‘rougher than usual’ and that regret was ‘visible’ in the Italian’s eyes during his post-match interviews. “I think we deserved to win, but I am proud of my players,” said the ex-Sassuolo boss.
“Brighton have a clear identity and it didn’t change against United. De Zerbi applies his philosophy to every game and opponent, but this time the Seagulls didn’t go through,” continued Gazzetta’s correspondent in London Davide Chinellato.
“De Zerbi is trying to turn Brighton into a top team and the development also passes from disappointments like this one. De Zerbi’s ideas have transformed a good team into an excellent side, so much so they went just one penalty kick away from reaching the FA Cup Final.”
Tuttosport wrote that Brighton “dominated” the Red Devils. “For 120 minutes at Wembley, they looked like the top team.
“There’s little De Zerbi can complain about with his players and Manchester United must thank the inspired Davide De Gea for helping them get to the penalties.”
De Zerbi, a former Sassuolo coach, was hired by Brighton in September 2022, replacing Graham Potter. The Italian signed a four-year deal with the Seagulls and has a €13m clause included in his contract.
Despite rumours linking him with Inter and Roma, the latest reports in Italy claim RDZ wants to remain at Brighton beyond the summer.
Still couldn’t score against a largely poor side coming off a bad defeat.