The Wellington Phoenix are gearing up for their highly anticipated derby match against Auckland FC, and head coach Giancarlo Italiano is eager to make his mark as they face fierce competition on the pitch. This latest showdown, set for February 22, 2025, at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, is expected to attract over 26,000 fans, heightening the intensity of the event.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Italiano remarked, "I’d love it if they were booing for 90 minutes," highlighting the unique atmosphere created by the passionate Auckland crowd. This match, the third derby between New Zealand’s teams in the A-League, has the potential to be historic and engaging for fans. With rivalries often serving as the lifeblood of sport, Italiano asserts, “It’s healthy for New Zealand football. Any club is built on great rivalry.” His emotional connection is palpable, as he recalls his own experiences as a fan of Sampdoria, whose rivalry with Genoa is among the fiercest globally.
According to Italiano, the rivalry enriches the game, making it memorable. He noted, "You need animosity, some sort of talking point, big moments," indicating how the excitement of previous derbies has laid the groundwork for this encounter. Following the previous matches, he remarked on the social media interactions, adding, "There were some comments made the event more,” which have fueled the anticipation.
The Phoenix will be striving for their first-ever win against Auckland FC, yet Italiano insists they will approach the match with the same training protocol they apply weekly. “It’s business as usual,” he confirmed. With aspirations of making strides toward the top six, he emphasizes the need for consistent performance without the added weight of extra pressure upon the players.
“I think the team is capable, when we’re firing at full strength, of putting a run of games together,” Antônio said, inferring optimism about their chances. He’s candid about their previous encounters with Auckland, acknowledging the opposition's strong defensive capabilities. “Defensively, they’re very good, and they’re top of the table for a reason,” he noted. To emerge triumphant this time, they must be savvy and minimize errors leading to significant chances.
Italiano’s optimism is bolstered by the return of Marco Rojas, who has made strides forward with his recovery from injury. "Marco's about two weeks ahead of schedule. He’s done really well over the last two weeks,” he shared, noting Rojas’ readiness to contribute meaningfully to the game. “I’d like him to be part of the game tomorrow at some stage,” Italiano enthused, underlining the player’s integral role should the Phoenix need creativity on the field.
Adding to the team dynamic, new acquisition Chico Geraldes is also poised to debut on Saturday. According to Italiano, “Everything’s in place for Chico... he’s going to bring more service to Kosta up top.” With Rojas and Geraldes, Wellington Phoenix hopes to ignite their offensive play against their rivals.
Meanwhile, Italiano remains cautious with club captain Alex Rufer, who has recently returned from glandular fever. Highlighting the unique challenges associated with illness, he explained, “There was uncertainty around recovery, mental fatigue, physical fatigue,” making it imperative to monitor Rufer’s progress. “It’s more about the duty of care to make sure he’s right,” he expressed, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
Despite the frustrations stemming from injuries to key players, Italiano sees the silver lining: “A lot of these young guys have come through and had accelerated learning. It's very positive.” Through recent struggles, the Phoenix have remained competitive, with youthful players stepping up and gaining invaluable experience even as they strive for victories.
The historical rivalry weighs heavily on the players’ minds, especially since past encounters have not been favorable for the Phoenix. Their prior meeting on December 7, 2024, concluded with Auckland FC winning 2-1, reinforcing the desire among the Phoenix players to change their fortune. They have not won against Auckland FC historically, with their record standing at zero wins out of two total encounters.
With the stakes high and both teams vying for supremacy, the upcoming derby promises to be filled with excitement and fervent competition. The match will be broadcast free-to-air on Sky Open and live on Sky Sport 2 for New Zealand viewers, ensuring fans won't miss any action.
Giancarlo Italiano has his eyes set on achieving something special for the Wellington Phoenix this weekend, and there's no doubt the players, and supporters, will rise to the occasion.