Auckland FC head coach Steve Corica hit back at Wellington Phoenix counterpart Giancarlo Italiano ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster New Zealand Derby.
Reigning premiers Auckland will visit rivals Wellington in the first derby of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season, with both teams unbeaten heading into Round 4.
There is never any shortage of drama and storylines and this weekend’s showdown is no different.
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Last season, Corica hit out at his Isuzu UTE A-League counterpart Italiano after the Black Knights’ 2-1 derby triumph in Auckland in December, labelling the Phoenix coach “disrespectful” for his pre-game comments.
Heading into that fixture, Italiano felt history-making leaders Auckland were “there for the taking” and “very lucky the past four games”, which prompted a response from Corica in the wake of the Black Knights’ sixth win from six matches.
WEEKEND PREVIEW: What you need to know for Round 4 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
After last week’s 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners, Italiano delivered a cheeky jab ahead of the next New Zealand Derby, telling reporters: “I learned my lesson last year with Steve obviously taking offence to what I said which I still think is the truth”.
Italiano was referring to last season’s home fixtures.
This week, Corica replied once more.
“The record speaks for itself, doesn’t it?,” he told reporters after Auckland swept the three derbies in 2024-25.
“I think last season we beat him all three games. We played really well in all three.”
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Corica added: “We had the home games, a lot of home games. It’s similar this season. I think we’ve had a lot of home games as well. So obviously, trying to pick up as many points as possible early on.
“We’re looking forward to going down there. It’s going to be another massive season with the derbies, two down there this season, and hopefully their supporters will get right behind them, because we want big crowds who want to play in front of good crowds, especially for the derbies. There’s something special, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“They started well this season. They’ve had one win and two draws, so they’re unbeaten as well. Looking forward to seeing how they go this week.”
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Auckland will be without captain and Japanese star Hiroki Sakai for the trip to Wellington.
Corica revealed the 35-year-old is facing six weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Adelaide United.
“Lucky probably we have the International break next week,” said Corica. But I’d say six weeks from from the injury. I think he’ll be back probably after that (next New Zealand) derby (December 6).
“Central Coast maybe, or something like that.”
