Wellington Phoenix boss Giancarlo Italiano says he’d welcome the challenge of facing newly-promoted Wrexham AFC in a pre-season showdown in the Kiwi capital.
The Welsh side, famed for being owned by Hollywood duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, has just sealed their third promotion in as many years and will next season compete in the EFL Championship, one rung below the Premier League.
With talk of a tour Down Under for the Red Dragons to take on the likes of Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC not far off being announced, reports also now suggest New Zealand could also be a possible destination for Wrexham to play a pre-season game.
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“Yeah, if it happens, it’d be amazing,” said Wellington boss Italiano when asked about the prospect of facing Wrexham at his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game with Perth Glory.
“(It’d) be great to get their pedigree. I know they’re a big club with big ambitions, and they have a bit of a cult following now, but yeah, be great if it could happen.”
Italiano added: “I think any opponent from abroad that has some sort of, you know, following would be good, also good to get the fans out. Hopefully it’s good weather, and, yeah, we’ll just see how it pans out.”
Much more pressing for Wellington though, is Friday night’s Distance Derby against Perth Glory at Sky Stadium.
Not just the club’s final game of the season, the contest in Wellington will also be the last in Phoenix colours for defensive duo Scott Wootton and Sam Sutton, with both expected to join Perth when their contracts with the Phoenix officially expire.
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“I’ll play the best team that’s available for tomorrow,” said Italiano when asked whether or not he would field the duo knowing they’ll soon be departing.
“Where they go next season is none of my business, and it’s got nothing to do with the decision-making for me.
“It’ll be their last game at home as a Phoenix player and I want them to have a good send off.
He went on to say: “I’m disappointed when any player leaves. But again, you know, the way football is, players leave, players arrive, coaches leave, coaching staff leave and come. It’s a normal part of business.”
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Confirmed to finish in the bottom four of the Isuzu UTE A-League this season, the Nix will take part in the Australia Cup playoffs in Darwin in two weeks time where they could face Perth once again.
Currently occupying 11th spot on the ladder, the Nix know that should they better 10th-placed Central Coast Mariners result in the final round of the season then they will face Perth again in Darwin, otherwise they’ll meet Brisbane Roar for a spot in the Australia Cup Round of 32.
