On Thursday it was announced that club fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone had died at the age of 61. It left everyone at Tottenham stunned, especially Antonio Conte who had known the highly-respected Italian for almost three decades but his players honoured Ventrone in the best possible way by ensuring they got back to winning ways in the Premier League.
While it spoiled Roberto De Zerbi’s home debut, the new Seagulls boss would have been encouraged by a fine display from his side, who have dropped to sixth in the table.
This was De Zerbi’s first match at the Amex Stadium but another Italian took centre stage ahead of kick-off with a minute’s applause taking place for Ventrone.
This was De Zerbi’s first match at the Amex Stadium but another Italian took centre stage ahead of kick-off with a minute’s applause taking place for Ventrone.
. Players take part in a minutes applause in memory of former Tottenham Hotspur fitness coach Gian Piero Ventron ahead of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 8, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Players take part in a minutes applause in memory of former Tottenham Hotspur fitness coach Gian Piero Ventron ahead of the Premier League match against Brighton Photo: GLYN KIRK
. Brighton vs Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur players take part in a minutes applause in memory of former Tottenham Hotspur fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone Photo: Steve Bardens
. Brighton vs Tottenham
Antonio Conte celebrates with Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur Photo: Mike Hewitt
. Brighton vs Tottenham
Brighton vs Tottenham Photo: Steve Bardens
. Brighton vs Tottenham
Antonio Conte, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur speaks to Roberto De Zerbi Photo: Mike Hewitt
. Brighton vs Tottenham
Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans Photo: Mike Hewitt
. Brighton vs Tottenham
Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur players take part in a minutes applause in memory of former Tottenham Hotspur fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone prior to the Premier League match Photo: Mike Hewitt
17. Brighton vs Tottenham
Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on Photo: Mike Hewitt