Wellington Phoenix Calls Fans to Action 

Wellington, NZ — With excitement building across the country, Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano is calling on fans to pack Sky Stadium for Saturday’s historic match against Auckland FC. The clash marks the inaugural New Zealand derby in the Isuzu UTE A-League, a highly anticipated event set to draw one of Wellington’s largest regular season crowds.

“Fans are everything,” Italiano emphasized, urging supporters to “come out in force” and showcase Wellington’s passion for soccer. With ticket sales soaring, the event may surpass the 24,105 fans who attended Wellington Phoenix’s homecoming game in 2021, setting a new attendance record.

A Celebration of New Zealand Soccer

Italiano envisions the match as more than just a game—it’s a celebration of New Zealand’s soccer heritage. “We need to represent the history,” he said. “We want to give the fans something to be proud of, and we need energy from the players to make this moment unforgettable.” Drawing parallels to last season’s Melbourne Victory showdown, he emphasized that Saturday’s event is distinctively about New Zealand: “This is about who owns football at the moment in this country.”

Phoenix Embraces Their Resilient Spirit: “E Rere Te Keo”

Underlining the Phoenix’s motto, E Rere Te Keo—a call to rise from adversity—Italiano framed the derby as another test for the club, one they are ready to embrace. “For so long, the club has faced scrutiny,” he explained, referencing financial struggles and post-COVID challenges with the fan base. “But every hurdle has made us stronger. Tomorrow’s game is a testament to that resilience and a moment for our fans to celebrate how far we’ve come.”

Auckland FC’s Steve Corica Turns Up the Heat

Auckland FC’s head coach Steve Corica hinted that the Phoenix should feel the pressure as hosts, a comment that didn’t escape Italiano’s notice. “I find that hard to believe,” Italiano responded, suggesting Auckland hasn’t yet faced the same challenges. “They haven’t left New Zealand, and with the resources Corica has, they’re the strong favorites.”

A Defining Match for Young Phoenix Players

The game promises to be a defining moment for several young Phoenix players, their biggest match yet. Italiano encourages them to embrace the intensity, acknowledging that both teams will feel a similar mix of anxiety and excitement. “It’s about controlling the controllables,” he advised. “If our players stick to our training and preparation, they’ll handle those big moments just fine.”

Despite the buzz surrounding the derby, Italiano is confident his squad won’t be overwhelmed. “Our players are treating this like any other game. Beating Auckland still only gives us three points. The difference here is the significance of two New Zealand teams competing. Once that first game is played, the pressure will ease, and I hope the players enjoy every moment.”

Key Phoenix Players Absent, But Reinforcements Likely

The Phoenix will be without captain Alex Rufer, sidelined with a knee injury, yet there is hope for Marco Rojas and Paulo Retre to return to action. This derby could mark Rojas’s first Phoenix game since 2011.

Auckland FC’s lineup includes several former Phoenix players, most notably Alex Paulsen, who returns to Sky Stadium for the first time since his high-profile move to Bournemouth AFC and subsequent loan to Auckland FC. “There’s no animosity,” Italiano assured, adding, “Alex is forever indebted to this club, and we are to him. We’ll welcome him warmly—though we won’t wish him too much luck on the pitch.”

A Must-Watch Match, Broadcast Live Across Platforms

The derby between Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC is set to kick off at 5 pm on Saturday at Sky Stadium. Fans in New Zealand can watch the action live on Sky Open and Sky Sport 2, while viewers in Australia can tune in via Paramount+.

Squads

Wellington Phoenix Squad

(2 players to be omitted): 1. Josh Oluwayemi (gk), 3. Corban Piper, 4. Scott Wootton (c), 5. Fin Roa Conchie, 6. Tim Payne, 7. Kosta Barbarouses, 8. Paulo Retre, 9. Hideki Ishige, 10. David Ball, 11. Stefan Colakovski, 12. Mo Al-Taay, 15. Isaac Hughes, 19. Sam Sutton, 21. Marco Rojas, 24. Oskar van Hattum, 25. Kazuki Nagasawa, 27. Matt Sheridan, 30. Alby Kelly-Heald (gk), 39. Jayden Smith, 41. Nathan Walker.

Unavailable: 14. Alex Rufer (injured), 17. Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues (injured), 18. Lukas Kelly-Heald (injured).

Auckland FC Squad

(2 players to be omitted): 1. Michael Woud (gk), 2. Hiroki Sakai (c), 3. Scott Galloway, 4. Nando Pijnaker, 5. Tommy Smith, 6. Louis Verstraete, 7. Cameron Howieson, 8. Luis Toomey, 10. Guillermo May, 12. Alex Paulsen (gk), 14. Liam Gillion, 15. Francis de Vries, 17. Callan Elliot, 18. Finn McKenlay, 21. Jesse Randall, 22. Jake Brimmer, 23. Dan Hall, 25. Neyder Moreno, 27. Logan Rogerson, 28. Luis Felipe Gallegos.

Unavailable: None.