Founded by Italian migrants Simone Trentino and Francesco D’Orsa, and made up of players who have recently arrived in Australia from Italy, NIG put on a wonderful display of talent to defeat the “Old Boys” 3-0.
More importantly, the day saw a fantastic turnout of friends, family and supporters of all ages in the name of a good cause, and the event raised around $6,500.
The game was kicked off with a coin toss by Comites QLD NT President Mariangela Stagnitti, in the company of the Italian Consul in Brisbane Ludovico Camussi, Brisbane City FC President David Asnicar and former Queenslander of the Year Jim Bellos, who officiated the game.
Following the success of their last event, NIG is gearing up to send a “revamped” Italian team onto the field at Brisbane City FC on Saturday, July 15.
This time around, the club will join forces with Brisbane City FC to create a unique team which celebrates the past, present and future of the Italian community in Brisbane.
The side will face off against Olympic FC, a multicultural soccer club founded by Greek migrants in 1967, in a symbolic game celebrating both communities in the northern city.
“Our aim is to revive the Italian community spirit through these football initiatives and we hope this will have a bigger impact in the long term for the wider community,” Mr Trentino said.
The day will begin with the Juniors’ games and the main event will play out in the afternoon, to be followed by a second battle of the nations off the field, featuring another love of these two communities: food!
The best of the Italian and Greek cuisines will be served at the clubhouse, as pizza, panini and cannoli battle it out against lamb, feta and pita bread for the crowd’s affection before the Seniors’ game kicks off.
With just over a week to go until the event unfolds, one question lingers: who will you be cheering for?
