Corica’s Pre-Derby Response: “The Record Speaks for Itself, Doesn’t It?”
Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix are set to face off in the first New Zealand Derby of the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season on Saturday. Both teams enter Round 4 unbeaten, adding excitement to the rivalry.
Corica Addresses Italiano’s Comments
Auckland FC's head coach Steve Corica responded to Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano ahead of the highly anticipated match. Last season, after Wellington's 2-1 win in Auckland, Corica criticized Italiano for making pre-game comments he considered “disrespectful.”
“It was disrespectful,” Corica said of Italiano’s remarks last December.
Italiano had suggested that Auckland, the history-making leaders at the time, were “there for the taking” and “very lucky in the past four games.” This comment was made before Wellington’s sixth consecutive win that season.
Recent Exchanges Between Coaches
After a 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners last week, Italiano took a playful dig ahead of the upcoming derby:
“I learned my lesson last year with Steve obviously taking offence to what I said which I still think is the truth.”
He was referring to last season’s home games. Corica has now responded once again to Italiano’s remarks, emphasizing Auckland’s strong performances.
Context of the Rivalry
- This is the first New Zealand Derby of the season, featuring two unbeaten sides.
- Auckland FC are the reigning premiers and the historical leaders in the derby clash.
- The match promises drama and intense competition consistent with past derbies.
“The record speaks for itself, doesn’t it?” Corica remarked, underscoring Auckland’s dominance.
The anticipation around the derby remains high as both teams aim to continue their unbeaten runs.
Author’s summary: The ongoing verbal exchange between Corica and Italiano adds edge to the fiercely contested New Zealand Derby, highlighting Auckland FC's continued dominance and the intensity of their rivalry.