Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Fausto De Amicis De Amicis on trialling overseas… Diegos: "It seems that you've had more trials with overseas clubs than Danni Minogue has had plastic surgery. What are some of the clubs you've trialled with in the last 12 months and just as Danni has developed into a new improved bustier model, do you believe your trial experiences have improved you as a player? " DeAmicis: " Yes I've had a few trials. I feel more like a Leyland brother these days rather than a better player." Diegos: " You could say that you've had more trials than Bill Clinton…" De Amicis: " The US is one place l haven't been but l suppose trialling with so many clubs, is not a bad way to see the world. I went to Middlesborough and Hansa Rostock back in June last year. I also trialled with Go Ahead Eagles in Holland. Unfortunately the only thing l got to go ahead with at that club was a flight back to Australia. The most recent trial was with Manchester City, which was a great experience." Diegos: " When it comes to spontaneous overseas travel, its clear that you don't suffer from the Christopher Skase 'Give me the oxygen mask and wheel chair - you won't get me on that plane' syndrome. It seems that you have to be prepared to attend trials at short notice. Does this have an unsettling affect on you personally and your club, South Melbourne?" De Amicis: " It significantly affects all parts of my life. At South Melbourne we are going for back-to-back titles and my frequent trips have had an unsettling affect on the team, which I think is a little unfair on Angie and the boys. My most recent trip to Manchester thankfully, coincided with the bye, so that wasn't as much of a problem. It's tough on the family too. Back in June, l went over to play for the Socceroos against Croatia and afterwards, decided to visit some of my family in Italy. When l returned, l received a call within 3 days to fly back again to Hansa Rostock in Germany. It was very hard to have to travel all over again within such a short space of time. I ended up spending two weeks with Hansa and Middlesborough. The latter being another extremely enjoyable experience." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " You were fortunate to spend a short stint with English premier league club, Middlesborough earlier this season. It must have been great mixing drinks with Paul Gascoigne. He seems like someone who would be better suited gambling, drinking, fighting and playing cricket for the Australian cricket rather than playing soccer in England. What were your impressions of him?" De Amicis: " Although l haven't able to secure a contract, the experience of meeting and playing with someone of the statue of Paul Gascoigne is an unforgettable experience. On one occasion l happen to be sitting right opposite him at lunch after training. I asked him about his experiences in Italy when he was playing with Lazio, and he replied in Italian because there were a number of other Italian players present. Listening to the great Paul Gascoigne speaking Italian with a thick 'pommy' accent was quite funny. I found him to be a very nice person who made me feel very comfortable and welcome. He was very cheerful and always ready to make his teammates laugh. He was loved by all supporters. His mere presence in pre-season friendly games would swell the crowds by 6,000 or 7,000 people. Opposition supporters would clap him whenever he came near the ball. He is a player that could do wonders on the pitch. It was a real thrill to be there on the same park with a truly world class player." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " When you're introduced to fellow overseas teammates as an Australian trialist, l would image that they would expect your name to be something like 'Chooka', 'Bazza', 'Browneye', 'Macca' or 'Chunder'. Do they look slightly bemused when you introduce yourself as dinky dye, bonza Aussie, Fausto De Amicis?" De Amicis: " They did keep on asking over and over what my name was. At Manchester, they all ended up calling me 'Faustino'. I don't know whether that was because of the way l played or because they couldn't pronounce my name. I took it as a compliment anyway." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " You've recently returned from a trial with Manchester City in the English second division. How did that trial go and is City still a big club or is it nowadays, merely a poor relation of Manchester United?" De Amicis: " It's little bit like that at the moment. In a way the club really doesn't deserve to be in division two because it's a big club and very well supported. From what people were telling me, most of the people living in Manchester actually support City rather than United. All the United fans tend to come from outside the city. While l was there, they drew a crowd of 32,000 when they beat Fulham 3-0. It was a fantastic atmosphere and again it was a great experience for me. While l was there the coach came out publicly in the press and stated that there was a very good chance that he would sign me. Unfortunately the club decided not to go on with the signing because the team was starting to get some good results. The outcome was pretty disappointing but l guess it just wasn't to be. I've got nothing to lose coming back to South Melbourne though. We have an opportunity to go back to back and that is a very special achievement that l would like to be part of." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " South Melbourne is top of the table at present. They have become the masters of grinding out a result and doing just enough to win. In many instances it can be unattractive stuff, so much so, it seems that your own crowd booed the team when you played Adelaide Sharks. Are you on target to win another championship and what is it like to have pumpkin seed shells thrown at you?" De Amicis: " To be honest we didn't get booed against the Sharks. Having said that, this hasn't always been the case. Last season when we were drawing games at home, our crowd was definitely booing us. Our spectators have always demanded success and that's the sort of pressure you have to live with when you're playing for a big club like South Melbourne." Diegos:" So they were actually throwing rose petals rather than pumpkins seed shells?" De Amicis: " I think it was more like Albert Park seagull droppings. The Bob Jane birds are well known for doing that." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " Unfortunately you were a member of the Socceroo squad that was tragically beaten by New Zealand in the Confederation cup play-off last October. Seeing that its not a result that you'd like to conclude with on your international soccer resume, are you desperate to gain selection to the Socceroos again, so that you can exorcise the demons of that game?" De Amicis: " By all means. I'm always wanting to do as well as l can so that l can catch the eye of the national coach. I will always make myself available to play for Australia and I will always cherish every opportunity I've had to serve my country." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999 |