There are already signs of a different Tottenham developing under the Italian. Spurs have won against MK Dons and Auckland FC during pre-season before drawing with Sydney FC, while Chelsea arrive after a 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers. Tottenham's final pre-season fixture against Chelsea takes place at Accor Stadium on Saturday 1 August.

The result matters far less than the tactical questions.

Sandro Tonali is arguably the most important new signing for De Zerbi's system. The Italian midfielder provides the technical quality and positional intelligence required to build from the back under pressure. De Zerbi's teams traditionally look to attract opponents towards the ball before exploiting the space created beyond the first pressing line.

That could see Tottenham regularly move into a 3-2 or 2-3 structure during possession. A full-back can move inside to create an additional midfielder while the other provides width, giving Spurs more passing options and allowing them to manipulate Chelsea's press.

Tonali's ability to receive the ball on the turn, switch play and immediately accelerate attacks could therefore become central to Tottenham's season.

The bigger question is whether Spurs can use that possession more effectively. Last season they often dominated territory without creating enough clear opportunities. De Zerbi's challenge is to turn controlled possession into attacking superiority.

Bergvall Has a Major Point to Prove

Lucas Bergvall could also emerge as one of the most interesting players in Sydney. The 20-year-old remains highly regarded, but De Zerbi has made it clear that there are no guarantees over his starting place. The manager has challenged Bergvall to become more complete, particularly if he wants to play in a double pivot.

That makes Chelsea a valuable audition.

Bergvall has excellent technical ability and can carry the ball through pressure, but De Zerbi needs his midfielders to understand when to advance, when to hold position and when to circulate possession quickly.

A strong performance could push him closer to a significant role in 2026/27. With a demanding season ahead, Spurs will need more than eleven reliable starters, and Bergvall has the opportunity to establish himself as a genuine first-team option.

Gallagher Can Make the Press Work

Conor Gallagher is another player who could define De Zerbi's tactical approach. His energy, aggression and ability to cover ground make him perfectly suited to leading Spurs' pressing game. From a 4-2-3-1, Gallagher can step forward alongside the attacking line, attempting to force opponents backwards or into rushed passes.

The risk is that aggressive pressing leaves space behind him.

This is where Tonali and the second central midfielder become crucial. If Spurs win the ball high, Gallagher can immediately attack the box or support the front three. If Chelsea escape the first wave, Tottenham must have the positional discipline to prevent the midfield from becoming exposed.

Finding that balance could be one of the most important tactical developments of the new season.

Andy Robertson is another player worth watching. The experienced left-back gives De Zerbi a different option to previous Tottenham setups, particularly through his willingness to attack space beyond the winger and deliver from advanced areas.

His relationship with players inside him could be crucial. If Robertson holds the width, a winger can move centrally; if he attacks forward, another midfielder can occupy the space behind him.

Academy Players Could Become Part of the Solution

Perhaps the biggest long-term development of pre-season has been the opportunities given to Tottenham's academy.

Against Auckland FC, De Zerbi named a young side containing eight academy graduates, including Malachi Hardy, Luca Williams-Barnett, Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley.

Hardy, in particular, has impressed. The 18-year-old defender has started both matches on tour and has been praised by De Zerbi as a player for the future.

Williams-Barnett has attracted even more attention. De Zerbi described the teenager as potentially a "special player" after his confident penalty against Sydney.

The manager has also specifically highlighted Williams-Barnett, Hardy and Moore as academy players who could become important for the club.

That could matter significantly during 2026/27. With European squad regulations placing importance on club-trained players, producing first-team talent is not simply a sentimental objective for Tottenham; it is increasingly important strategically.

The Real Test for Spurs

Chelsea should therefore be viewed as a tactical examination rather than a results-based one.

Can Tottenham build through an aggressive press? Can Tonali control the midfield? Can Bergvall prove he belongs in De Zerbi's plans? Can Gallagher turn pressing intensity into chances? Can Tel become a consistent attacking threat? And can the academy prospects demonstrate that they can eventually contribute at senior level?

After consecutive 17th-place finishes, Tottenham cannot afford another season of uncertainty.

De Zerbi has spoken about creating a team with a clear idea, stronger organisation and greater personality. The Chelsea friendly will not prove that Spurs have arrived, but it could provide the clearest glimpse yet of what they are building.