De Zerbi takes over a side who are one point above the relegation zone and are winless in 2026 as they creep closer to playing Championship football next season.
Tottenham could well be in the relegation zone come kick-off if West Ham beat bottom-side Wolves at home on Friday night, putting more pressure on the Italian who has a mammoth task at turning this side around.
De Zerbi confident that Tottenham can avoid relegation
Sunderland have to travel back to April 2010 for their most recent competitive victory over Tottenham who De Zerbi first spoke on if he is confident about keeping the side afloat.
"Yes. I knew before working with them. I understood they are good guys and the fans have to be happy because all the players are good guys and are suffering in this difficult situation.
"The voice inside of the pitch is changing. Now I'm more positive for sure.
"I am not better than Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor, I try to bring my style and myself, my character, my personality and my strengths. To achieve our target is the most important part."
Does De Zerbi have a message for fans?
Tottenham have been hit with yet another massive injury blow with Mohammed Kudus suffering a setback in his road to recovery as the list of players in the medical room continues to grow. As things go from bad to worse for the side, De Zerbi was asked if he has a message for worried fans.
"I have no message. In the last game against Nottingham Forest, they were fantastic before the game.
"The message for my staff and players - we have to deserve their support because the fans are suffering like us but for the fans, there is just one club and one team. The players can change but for the fans it's unique their club. We have to make them happy with the right spirit and the right behaviour on the pitch. Then it's easier to make points."
Vicario out
Finally, as supporters remain hopeful, De Zerbi revealed that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario won't feature. Antonín Kinský steps in for the Italian for the first time since he was substituted in the 17th minute of last month's Champions League match with Atletico Madrid.
"Vicario is not ready for this game. I hope he can come back early next week, but I don't know yet.
"(Rodrigo) Bentancur is working with us but not completely. But we are enough to fight and to play and to make points."