Giancarlo Italiano is prepared to be “brave” in order to secure the Wellington Phoenix’s first ever New Zealand derby win.
The Nix head coach is determined to deliver a maiden victory for the supporters.
“My expectations are that we stick to the gameplan, stick to our brand of football, take risks,” Italiano told media pre-match.
“We want to put on a show for the fans and make sure they have something to wave their flag to.
“I understand that last year’s performances weren’t what the fans expect, but I think what they expect is for us to give 100% and that’s what I want for tomorrow.”
Despite having lost all three derbies last season, he is confident there will be no hangover from those results.
“I don’t think so. It’s a different team, a different environment.
“Some of the existing players will use it as fuel. The boys are much more mature as well.
“What I see is a very determined group that wants to play their football.”
The now trademark high line will remain in place for the match, while there will be extra attention on the team mentality.
“There are certain tweaks that we’ll accommodate for an opposition, no different to any game, but for us it’s about the intention.
“For me, for the coaching staff, the primary one is that we never give up. Even if we concede in the first minute, that’s no reason to give up.
“What this group has shown is that they’re very resilient. There’s a certain belief and cohesion within the group that is very strong. We need these games in order for us to mature as a team.”
While the approach certainly carries risk, Italiano expects the team to execute under pressure.
“My requirement and my expectation is that courage is a non-negotiable.
“Will the players feel fear? Yes. Auckland players will feel fear. The real question is, who deals with that fear better and sticks to the gameplan?
“They’re a little more defensively oriented and regimented, they’re well drilled.
“But for us, if we want to be on the front foot, we have to take the risk.”
A lingering quad injury for Manjrekar James and Hideki Ishige’s season-ending ACL tear mean there will have to be rotation, but he has “the utmost faith” in the understudies to deliver.
“They’re going to deal with it like they did last week. I think the group is very resilient, the focus is very attuned to not making excuses, and instead seeing what’s ahead.
“Whoever starts tomorrow, I have faith, I have faith in the bench. I think the bench is where we win the game.”
The round four Isuzu UTE A-League match between the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC is scheduled to kick-off at Sky Stadium in Wellington at 7pm Saturday and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 1 in New Zealand and on Paramount+ in Australia.
Most recent meeting: 22 February 2025 – Auckland FC 6 Wellington Phoenix 1
All-time A-League head-to-head: Phoenix 0W, Auckland 3W & 0D.
Wellington Phoenix squad (two to be omitted): 1. Josh OLUWAYEMI (gk), 3. Corban PIPER, 5. Fin ROA CONCHIE, 7. Ifeanyi EZE, 11. Carlo ARMIENTO, 12. Dan EDWARDS, 14. Alex RUFER (c), 15. Isaac HUGHES, 17. Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES, 18. Lukas KELLY-HEALD, 20. Ramy NAJJARINE, 23. Luke SUPYK, 24. Xuan LOKE, 25. Kazuki NAGASAWA, 27. Matt SHERIDAN, 29. Luke BROOKE-SMITH, 37. Anaru CASSIDY, 39. Jayden SMITH, 40. Eamonn MCCARRON (gk), 48. Mac MUNRO.
Unavailable: 4. Manjrekar JAMES (injured), 6. Tim PAYNE (injured), 8. Paulo RETRE (injured), 9. Hideki ISHIGE (injured), 10. Nikola MILEUSNIC (injured), 19. Nathan WALKER (injured).
Auckland FC squad (two to be omitted): 1. Michael WOUD (gk), 3. Jake GIRDWOOD-REICH, 6. Louis VERSTRAETE, 7. Cameron HOWIESON, 9. Sam COSGROVE, 10. Guillermo MAY, 11. Marlee FRANÇOIS, 14. Liam GILLION, 15. Francis DE VRIES, 17. Callan ELLIOT, 18. Finn McKENLAY, 20. Oli SAIL (gk), 21. Jesse RANDALL, 22. Jake BRIMMER, 23. Dan HALL, 27. Logan ROGERSON, 77. Lachlan BROOK.
Unavailable: 2. Hiroki SAKAI (c) (injured).
Cover photo – Wellington Phoenix players prepare for training at Sky Stadium. Photo credit: Cam McIntosh/Photomac
