|
|
Farina faces wait on Del Piero for trip to Wellington
03/12/2012 10:14:00 AM
The Italian marquee is struggling with hamstring injuries, and might not be risked for the tough trip across the Tasman in what will be Farina's first game in full charge
 |
By JOHN GRECO |
New Sydney FC coach Frank Farina was left impressed by what he has to work with at the Sky Blues, but might be without marquee man Alessandro Del Piero for his first game in charge next Sunday.
Del Piero was forced off midway through the second half of the Sky Blues' 0-0 draw with Melbourne Heart on Sunday with a recurrence of his hamstring troubles.
The Italian veteran will have scans early this week before determining if he will be available for the trip to Wellington on Sunday, which will be Farina's first official match at the helm.
Farina watched from the stands at Allianz Stadium as the Sky Blues snapped a four-game A-League losing streak and would have taken plenty of positives from his new side's improved performance.
But the injury scare to Del Piero could be crucial if he is to turn Sydney's fortunes around.
"I think it's more tight, cramping, sort of in the hamstring," caretaker coach Steve Corica said of the 38-year-old's injury.
"We'll have to wait and see from the scans on Tuesday, see what the damage is and go from there.
"It's a little bit sore."
The former Socceroos coach allowed Corica to take the reins from the bench against the Heart but Farina still had the final say on selection and spoke to the team at half-time.
And while the fitness of Del Piero is a concern, Farina can take heart from his new side's showing.
"He said himself there were a lot of positives come out of the game," Corica said of the impact Farina will make on the Sky Blues.
"But he's going to come in and make changes. Things will change.
"He said to [the players] in the couple of talks he's had with them, 'Just give me 100 percent'.
"That's all he can ask for and I think the players did that today.
"He'll put his stamp on the team, especially with the work rate and I think if we do that I think we're going to be better off for it and we'll get results."
Goal Australia now has its own 
and 
account, so for all the latest news and features on Australian football follow us by clicking on the above links
| 100% first deposit bonus up to $200 |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
-
The top-30 EAFF clubs: Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Goal Asia will list its top-30 EAFF clubs, featuring the heavyweights of Japan, China, Australia, South Korea and Hong Kong. This time, it is Sanfrecce Hiroshima who are the focus
-
-
In Off the Post Podcast: Merrick makes return
The team from Goal Australia and Sportal take you through all the big news in football, including Ernie Merrick's A-League return and the forthcoming Champions League final
-
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel
