Wellington coach Italiano quits after 5-0 loss to rivals Auckland in A-League

2026-02-21 - 12:43

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano (left) has been in charge of the club since April 2023. (AFP pic) WELLINGTON: Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano resigned straight after a humiliating 5-0 loss to Auckland in Saturday’s New Zealand Derby in the A-League, as an own goal by goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi set the stage for a dismal home performance. Englishman Oluwayemi came out of his area in the 24th minute to intercept a long clearance but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed it backwards into his own net. Auckland scored three more goals from just three shots on target to lead 4-0 at halftime. Italiano replaced Oluwayemi at the break, but Auckland cruised to victory, extending Wellington’s winless streak to five games. Italiano, who had been in charge since April 2023, announced his resignation at