A key piece of the Wellington Phoenix’ playing roster has been filled with the signing of experienced Italian defender Marco Rossi.
Rossi, 28, has played in both Serie A and Serie B and is part of a wider investment programme into the Club to meet core strategic objectives.
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Phoenix General Manager David Dome said Rossi’s signing was a key part in the club having a competitive squad for the 2016-17 season.
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“The Club has materially increased its investment in a number of areas this season and the signing of Marco Rossi is the third significant investment in the playing roster.
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“The Club is committed to an exciting and attacking brand of football and this is being backed up by investment in quality players,” Dome said.
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“Marco complements the broader strategy of fielding a very competitive squad,  winning games on the field and growing the Phoenix brand off the field.
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The Club has been working on getting the defender to the Phoenix for over three months, with patience paying off for Head Coach Ernie Merrick.
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“I’m sure the time spent on signing Marco will be well worth it,” Merrick said.
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“It was vitally important that we replaced Ben Sigmund with an experienced player because you need two experienced players at the heart of defence.
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“As a centre back it is very much about reading the play and starting possession from the back and Marco has the experience to do that.
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“Centre back is all about judging the offside line and I believe Marco and Dura will form a good combination.
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“No other country in the world has developed defenders like Italy and our young players like Dylan Fox can learn a lot from someone like Marco.”
Rossi’s signature won’t be the end of the club’s signings with Merrick looking for a fullback, defensive midfielder and a back-up striker.
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“We will take our time in making further acquisitions but they will be completed before the season begins” Merrick said.
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Rossi arrived in Wellington in driving rain and bitterly cold temperatures after leaving Italy in 35 degree heat.
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“It is a bit different that is for sure,” a smiling Rossi said.
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Asked why he had decided to join the Phoenix Rossi said he felt it was time for a change and wanted to try something different.
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“I spoke to (former Socceroo) Vince Grella and he said it would be good experience to come down here”.
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“I also talked to (Socceroo goalkeeper) Mark Birighitti who told me a lot about the A-League and was really enthusiastic about it.
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“I took my time before making the decision because going to the other side of the world is a big change.”
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Born and raised in Parma, Rossi said he had been training hard for the last three weeks as he realised he would be a bit behind the Phoenix players when he arrived.