Canberra teenager Anthony Giorgi will be playing at the same time as Sunday's A-League grand final, but the 18-year-old will record it to watch the performance of one particular player.
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Giorgi is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Canberra's Carl Valeri after signing a one-season deal to play in Italy's third-division Serie C.
Valeri also moved to Italy as an 18-year-old, signing with footballing giants Inter Milan and progressing from Serie C through to Serie A during a decade in Europe.
The veteran of 52 caps with the Socceroos has returned to the A-League this season and has been a major contributor in Melbourne Victory's progression to Sunday's grand final against Sydney FC.
Giorgi, a midfielder who has been mentored by former Socceroos representative Andy Bernal in Canberra, has also sought advice from Valeri before his move to Calabria at the end of June.
"I've definitely followed Carl Valeri," Giorgi said. "After signing for Inter Milan at around 18, around my age, he ended up playing Serie C for quite a few seasons and I've taken inspiration from that.
"I've spoken to him on the phone and asked for advice, he's been really helpful. He just said work hard, but make sure you get enough rest for when you go over because the pre-seasons are intense. He just gave me a little bit of encouragement from his experience.
"I've been recording A-League matches and watching Carl, what he does on and off the ball because we play similar positions.
"To represent a club in the Serie A one day would be a massive achievement ... there's no harm in dreaming big, you have to be ambitious."
Giorgi's opportunity in Italy came after he trialled with English Championship League club, Reading, earlier this year. He has Italian heritage.
With the Italian season coming to a close, he opted to return to Canberra and play in the men's Premier league competition with Monaro Panthers.
"My preference would have been to stay in Italy, but the season was almost over and the transfer window was closed so all I would have been doing was training with no games. An opportunity came up to come back to Canberra, which allowed me to spend more time with family and play first team football to get some more match experience.
"It's my dream, I'm blessed for an opportunity like this to arise."
A Belsouth junior, Giorgi was overlooked for national junior squads. But he's taken inspiration from another Canberra player, Tom Rogic, who had a similar path as a junior and is now playing with Scottish powerhouse Celtic.
"I guess everyone has their own journey," Giorgi said. "He's been in a similar situation to me and I see where he's ended up. By working hard you can still reach the top levels of the game."
CAPITAL PREMIER LEAGUE
Saturday, 3pm: Woden Weston FC v FFA Centre of Excellence, Woden Park.
Sunday, 3pm: Gungahlin United v Canberra FC, Gungahlin Enclosed; Tuggeranong United FC v Tigers FC, Kambah; Canberra Olympic v Monaro Panthers, O'Connor.
