Fresh off a flight across the Nallarbor, Perth Glory Youth striker Stefano Valentini has high expectations for the teams visit to Melbourne this weekend. It is the season opener for Melbourne City Youth and their new home of CB Smith Reserve however Valentini is expecting the visitors to walk away will all three points.
It was this fixture last year in which Valentini came off the bench making his debut for the Glory Youth. He has experienced a tremendous year developing both on and off the pitch. He is encouraged by the Glory squad this year but has no illusions about the capability of Melbourne City and recognition for the club who have promoted their Youth players into the Senior ranks as evidenced by the likes of Espindola, Dekker and Zinni.
Speaking to cornerflag.com.au at Melbourne Airport, Valentini said “They’re the reigning Premiers but that doesn’t mean anything. That was last year. Yes they are going to be strong but so are we. We will be competing for the title this year and we’ll show that at the game on Saturday. We’ve traveled, we’re here and we expect to take the three points.”
The history between these two teams has been relatively balanced with results over the years. Most recently in December 2014 out at City’s Latrobe University playing fields the home team came away with the points following a 2-1 result. Earlier this year in February for the return fixture it was a 2-2 draw.
Speaking about the squad this season compared to last, Valentini said “there have been some new players that have come into the squad. They have worked hard through the NPL season during the year and earned their position. We can always be stronger. Last year we finished third just one point behind the top two.”
Ambition is high within the club, the coaching group and the players. “Our coaches and the club believe we can win the title this year. That’s our goal for the season. But we need to focus on week-by-week. This week we have traveled for Melbourne City and we do it again next week for Melbourne Victory. Hopefully we can get three points each game” he said.
Despite the positive approach of the team, their first round last week at home in Perth didn’t go to well. They had strong opposition in last years runners-up Brisbane Roar and went down 0-2. With the FFA restructuring the league down to just 10 rounds and 8 matches for each side, every point is critical.
Valentini will need to be firing on all cylinders up front for the Glory with an experienced and well-drilled Melbourne City squad expected to take the pitch. To make it even more challenging for the 19-year-old, Socceroo defenders Ivan Franjic is expected to be getting some match time.
Kick off in the Foxtel National Youth League match is at 1:00pm today at CB Smith Reserve.