Roberto De Zerbi Sparks Rumors Over Return To Serie A
Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted his desire to return to Italy in the near future.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 04 December 2025
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has sparked rumors over a return to Serie A and revealed his attachment to AC Milan.
Roberto De Zerbi Sparks Rumors Over Serie A Return
Roberto De Zerbi could be heading back to Serie A in 2026 after the Marseille manager labeled AC Milan as his ‘football mother’.
The 46-year-old began his managerial career in Italy with US Darfo Boario before going to take the reins at Foggia, Palermo, Benevento and sassuolo.
His performance with Sassuolo is what established De Zerbi’s place as an elite European manager, helping the Italian secure the managerial position at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton.
In July 2024, the 46-year-old ended his time in the Premier League and took the reins at Marseille, going on to cement the French side’s place as a top Ligue 1 team.
Marseille currently sit third in the French top division, just two-points of first after 14 matches, but despite this success De Zerbi is keen on a return to Serie A.
De Zerib said: “I would like to return to Italy. Milan was my footballing ‘mother,’ I’m very attached to the old club, Galliani and Braida, and everyone who helped me.
“I always have a special fondness, a sense of gratitude. But I don’t need to close any circle, and my career has moved forward without them.”
Becoming the head coach at Milan could prove to be a difficult task for De Zerbi, as the Rossoneri are currently top of Serie A and Massimiliano Allegri has been well-received supporters.
The Milan boss is expected to be heavily backed in the January window, as the Serie A giants are interested in Sergio Ramos and these rumors highlight the Rossoneri’s trust in Allegri.
Although De Zerbi has a deep attachment with AC Milan, the Italian may consider other options in Serie A and Lazio are considering a managerial switch next year.
Lazio Consider Roberto De Zerbi
The Laziali were always going to struggle in the 2025/26 campaign after receiving a transfer embargo for the recent summer transfer window and this has surrounded Maurizio Sarri’s rein with doubt.
Lazio currently sit eighth in Serie A, six-points off European qualification and are now questioning Sarri’s position as manager.
The Rome-based side will have to make a decision over Sarri before the January window, as the manager will have a key part to play in any signings.
Another factor that could impact Sarri’s future is the plans over a new Lazio stadium, as the club will want a concrete relationship with the manager that guides the side into a new chapter.
De Zerbi will be looking to take the reins of a side with European competition, meaning the Laziali will need to see a huge improvement in the coming months.
The 46-year-old still has two-years remaining on his Marseille deal, which could make any negotiations over a return to Italy complicated.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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