Strap yourselves in, folks. Saturday’s blockbuster New Zealand Derby is going to be fun.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo ‘Chiefy’ Italiano stoked the fire after being asked about Auckland FC supporter group ‘The Port’ ahead of the Round 7 showdown at Go Media Stadium.
The Phoenix head into the mouth-watering fixture in form after upstaging Adelaide United last week, while Auckland FC were stunned by Newcastle Jets.
Asked to assess ‘The Port’, Italiano told reporters: “I don’t give any consideration to The Port.”
Pressed further on ‘The Port’ and whether they are louder than other fanbases after the Black Knights took the Isuzu UTE A-League by storm on and off the field in 2024-25, Italiano replied: “I thought they were loud at the beginning of last season.
“I haven’t really noticed them this season. I didn’t see many fans at the Newcastle game or the Brisbane game.”
Italiano was also made aware of social media post by The Port, which labelled the Wellington boss a clown.
“No, I’m a clown. So it’s good, very, very factual,” he smiled.
