Giancarlo Italiano: Wellington Phoenix Head Coach on the clash against Auckland FC - Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The Wellington Phoenix are looking to make history tonight by winning their first New Zealand derby match over Auckland FC at Mount Smart Stadium.  

It's a ground without happy memories for the Phoenix, who suffered a 6-1 thumping to Auckland FC there in the final derby match of the 2025 season. They'll be looking to change that narrative with a strong performance tonight.  

Giancarlo Italiano is the head coach of the Wellington Phoenix and he joined Piney to discuss the match tonight. 

“There will be an intensity to the game that you don’t usually get in a league match.” 

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