The loss was disappointing for City, which had come into the game confident after a 7-0 victory over Monaro the week before.

''Our first half was really poor and that's what let us down in the end,'' City coach Matt Moore said.

''The first 45 minutes, Olympic out-enthused us and beat us to every contest.''

Olympic was coming off three losses and was also without coach Dean Ugrinic, who is serving a two-week suspension after his spray at the referee last week.

But Giampaolo made sure its luck changed.

He knocked in a cross in the 25th minute to take the visitors to an early lead

However, a penalty in the box a minute later provided the equaliser for City.

Marcial Munoz had no problems slotting home the spot-kick.

Two minutes later, it was Giampaolo's turn again, leaving Olympic 2-1 up at half-time.

Early in the second half City hit back through David Dexter, who found the back of the net with a perfect lob from the corner of the box to take it to 2-2.

It was an entertaining second half which saw a few changes in momentum.

Olympic missed a number of chances before City took control but failed to convert.

In the end it was another spot kick which broke the deadlock, Giampaolo completing his hat-trick in the 75th minute and sealing the win for Olympic.

Olympic vice-president John Athanasiou labelled the win the turning point of season.