Young gun Marco Tilio has signed a two-year contract extension with Melbourne City in a boost for the club ahead of their A-League Men title defence.
Tilio played a key role in City’s premiership-championship double under Patrick Kisnorbo last season and scored a memorable long-range goal on his Olyroos debut in a surprise win over Argentina at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 20-year-old winger will remain with City until the end of the 2023/24 season.
“The club has shown a lot of faith in me so it was really a no-brainer to extend my contract,” Tilio said.
“I want to help the club continue to have success and create more memories in my time here so I can repay the faith that they have put in me.”
Tilio started 10 of City’s final 11 matches last season, banking a goal and an assist in the semi-final win over Macarthur.
“My goal this year is to continue to develop as a player and person to take my game to a new level,” he said.
“I want to push my teammates and push myself to play each week and show what I’m capable of by growing in confidence and bringing more to the team than I have before.”
City’s cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory are hoping Italian forward Francesco Margiotta can help fire them back into finals contention under new coach Tony Popovic.
Margiotta is a product of the Juventus academy and spent seven seasons on the books of the Serie A giants, with loan spells at Carrarese, Monza, Venezia and Sanraecangelo before a successful stint in Switzerland.
The 28-year-old most recently played with Serie B club Chievo Verona and has signed a one-year deal with Victory, who finished bottom of the table last season.
“Francesco has built his career on being a commanding centre forward and we’re confident he will play an important role for Melbourne Victory this season,” Popovic said.
“He has been a proven goal-scorer at a range of levels across Europe and will complement the exciting, attacking players we already have within our squad.”
The ALM season is set to kick off on November 19, with City hosting Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park in the opener.
