Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today announced the signing of midfielder Giancarlo Gallifuoco as an injury-replacement player for Wanderers midfielder Jordan O’Doherty.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today announced the signing of midfielder Giancarlo Gallifuoco as an injury-replacement player for Wanderers midfielder Jordan O’Doherty.
O’Doherty injured his Anterior Crucial Ligament during the first half of the Wanderers Hyundai A-League Round 20 clash against Perth Glory.
The club, who have also had defender Patrick Ziegler ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to injury, will also be without several key players expected to be included in Australia’s U23 squad for the upcoming AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in Cambodia later this month.
Former Australian U23 Giancarlo Gallifuoco links up with the Red & Black for the remainder of the season following his recent departure from Serie C side FC Rieti.
The 25-year-old returns to Australia having spent the last three years in Europe with English sides Torquay United and Dover Athletic, as well as FC Rieti.
Gallifuoco said he was delighted to return to Australia and represent the Red & Black.
“I feel awesome to be honest and honoured to have signed with the club,” said Gallifuoco.
“The gaffer (Markus Babbel) spoke to me and I’m grateful because I know players on the team and they’ve given me a really warm welcome.
“A massive motivator in me coming to the Wanderers was that I am originally from Sydney and as much as I’ve loved the clubs I have played for, you don’t have the same connection like you do when you’re from a club that represents you.
“My goals are to help the team, help their goals and be as much of an aid as I can be.”
Following impressing at the AIS during his teens Gallifuoco was snapped up by English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur where he played 29 games over two years in the club’s U23 team.
After a short stint with Melbourne Victory during the club’s 2016 AFC Champions League campaign Gallifuoco then secured a move to England with Torquay United FC for the 2016-17 season before moves to Dover Athletic and FC Rieti in Italy.
