Marconi Stallions defender Giorgio Speranza is preparing for the next challenge in his life and this time it doesn’t involve a round ball.

The 28-year-old was met with some amazing news that he and his wife Gabriella were expecting their first baby in September.

“Yes that’s correct, my beautiful wife Gabriella is pregnant with our baby being due in September.

“Excited is an understatement!

“My wife and friends have already been going crazy with online shopping, purchasing many outfits from some of my favourite brands and football teams such as Nike and Juventus.

“We cannot wait to welcome this new bundle of joy into our lives.”

It’s always beautiful to hear the true emotion coming out of a guy ready to embark on his next journey as the Nutella obsessed soon to be father explained that its been a monumental 2020 thus far – away from the baby news, Speranza, like so many, had to adjust to life during the COVID-19 lockdown which he did quite well adding to his growing list of new hobbies as well as sharing quality time with his wife and family. The time away from the game also allowed Giorgio to create a football training page that is now followed by almost three thousand followers, not bad!

“COVID-19 had a significant impact on my everyday life.

“People who know me know that I’m a very outgoing person; I love spending time with my family and friends and going out to eat which made being stuck at home very difficult.

“On a positive note, in October last year I got married and moved into my in-laws place at Kyle Bay.

“This time has allowed me to get to know them on a more personal level and even learn to speak a bit of Greek.

“The football lockdown gave me my first break from competition matches and training since I started playing football at the age of 7.

“I had almost too much time on my hands, a feeling you can imagine was very surreal and new.

“Having a strong passion for Italian food, my wife and I took up a new hobby of cooking for the family. My most delicious meal yet is a gnocchi quattro formaggi.

“Netflix was my main source of entertainment with Money Heist being my favourite show.

“Being a footballer, it was almost impossible to stay away from the football pitch, this is where I discovered a new passion for coaching. I began an Instagram page called @Giorfutbol and began to train young athletes in a 1 on 1 environment. I recorded bits and pieces of my sessions and posted them online and pretty quickly my following grew.

“That is definitely taking up most of what would be my football time at the moment.

“If you are interested in training ideas then give me a follow.”

Giorgio is obsessed with training, so the news that gyms and any on field activities with groups were forbidden really tested his patience – but it was there he discovered other ways in keeping himself in check with his vigorous fitness routine.

“The closure of gyms and no football training was my main method of keeping fit and motivated.

“I found it quite difficult to keep fit for the first few weeks, however, I adapted to the new lifestyle by going for runs whilst listening to my music and coaching young athletes, helping to maintain my touch, ball control and speed and agility.

“I was also able to introduce new methods of training such as ball related drills on the sand dunes at Wanda Beach, playing tennis and working out at an outdoor gym equipment area.”

Footballers across NSW were heard rejoicing last Friday as news filtered through that Training Sessions Only were once again introduced in the easing of restriction levels, a message Speranza and his Stallions teammates were waiting for ever so much.

“As you can imagine, I was closely watching my team’s WhatsApp group for any updates and messages on when training was going to return.

“When I saw that the green light was given last Friday it brought a smile to my face.

“I am very excited of the thought of going back to training and seeing all of the boys again.

“I am just looking forward to getting back into routine and doing what we love.”

Many clubs dabbled into technology during the break which saw an increase in teams communicating via Zoom, something the Stallions NPL NSW Men’s side did also with the main objective of checking in on every player seeing if they were ok mentally above anything else.

“It was definitely a new way of doing things, but the coaches and players kept and continue to keep in good contact over the social isolation period, mainly through Zoom meetings.

“This has allowed us to keep the spirit and banter alive.

“The boys are a tight group which spend time together outside of football so keeping in contact with them has certainly kept us grounded but has kept us sane as well.”

Workwise, Giorgio, or Mr Speranza/Sir to his Freeman Catholic College students works as a PDHPE teacher. Again, like the Zoom meeting catch ups with his Stallions teammates, Speranza had to engage in technology ensuring he was communicating with his students and the school.

“Working as a PDHPE teacher at Freeman Catholic College, the only real change and challenge for me was the transition to remote teaching and learning during the full COVID-19 restrictions.

“With no face-to-face teaching, I was required to plan my work and submit it via google classroom, an online learning platform.

“Don’t get me wrong, it was nice to work from home and stay in your pyjamas all day, although it created a lot more effort and chasing up students for their work was not fun!

“Now that the restrictions have eased, I am now back to full-time teaching on-site, which has been great to reconnect with the teachers and students. “

Brotherly love is something Giorgio only knows too well.

The older brother of Stallions’ well-known comedian (‘Taco Tuesday’ Promoter) and tough defender Roberto, the two have a real tight knit bond both on and off the pitch with the duo always having each other’s backs. That’s something their father Frank, a well known footballer in his own right in the Inner West had instilled in his two boys growing up.

“My brother Robbie is certainly a character (cough; clown!).

“He loves friendly banter and once the birth of his amazing little girl Liliana arrived, he has taken his Instagram account to new heights, posting her dancing to different song lyrics.

“He is famous for his Taco Tuesday posts as many of you may know already, so check his page out @robbiesperanza.”

Marconi Stallions’ coveted number one goalkeeper Nenad Vekic is one proud Australian and made his feelings heard when asked how he and his young family were coping during the COVID-19 crisis that has changed society as we know it.

“We need to be grateful to be in such a country with great resources and support in what have been unprecedented times experienced by all.

“If there is any country you would want to be in during times like this it is surely Australia, we are all very lucky.”

Since the temporary football lockdown, Vekic has spent time enjoying precious moments with his beautiful family, namely watching his four-month daughter Liliana kicking major life milestones firsthand.

“Luckily myself, family and friends have not been directly affected by the virus itself, but it has had a substantial effect on our everyday lives.

“Our 4-month-old daughter Liliana has had to hit some major milestones in isolation over the few months, first with the resulting smoke from the bushfires and now COVID-19.

“It has been hard for my wife more than anything as she has been stuck inside.

“Family is a huge part of our lives and it has really affected us not being able to see them or have them over.

“On the contrary, there are always positives that come from these unfortunate circumstances, one of them being the family time I’ve had with my wife and daughter.

“Spending all day every day with them has been like a mini holiday and we have really enjoyed it.

“We cook together, exercise together, binge on Netflix and we still haven’t killed each other so it has been great.”

The 30-year-old shotstopper has had some time to reflect and think about life as an NPL footballer which has seen the Stallions star take a trip down memory lane on many occasions as well as pushing the keeper to reflect on the finer moments in life.

“Besides pulling my hair out, watching games from the 80’s and 90’s and engaging in robust discussions regarding the state of football in the country in the comments section on social media, I have utilised this time to put together a football trophy memorabilia cabinet with some awesome achievements with some of my best mates.

“I have taken a trip down memory lane and realised how time goes by very quickly, especially in the football world.

“I turned 30 and realised I only have another 15 years in top-flight NPL football so it has made me very eager to return.

“It is a very interesting time for society but for us footballers who play in the NPL, it is comforting to see that we aren’t the only ones feeling the effects of the isolation.

“I have been following some of the big footballers around the world and if we have anything in common with them beside the big pay checks, it’s the love for the game and the urge and desire to kick anything around in the living room (toilet paper rolls).

“It is comforting to know that as a footballing community we are all in it together.”

Vekic’s teaching duties as a PE Teacher at Bossley Park High School has kept him busy during what has been a tumultuous period for many Australians job wise.

“I have been very fortunate as a teacher to still have a job.

“It does come with its challenges i.e. social distancing, online learning etc, but as I mentioned, I am just grateful to be in a job and part of such a great working environment with some very good friends at Bossley Park High School.

“With no students at school in the back end of last term, I uncovered a secret talent in table tennis.

“We participated in the BPHS COVID CUP, unfortunately I ran in second to Neil Mann, current Wollongong Wolves TD and more notably former Hull City fullback.”

Fitness and staying ahead of the game has not been a problem for Vekic who was lucky enough to have set up a quality gym in his garage keeping the Marconi number one fit and raring to go should we see football resume in 2020.

“I have always kept myself active, I am very lucky to have a great setup in the garage so I’ve got the convenience of a home gym.

“I also live in an estate with some awesome running tracks.

“Basically I make it a point to train at least every second day, I go for road runs and throw in some weight sessions in the home gym.

“Being a PE teacher I’ve always valued physical activity of any sort.

“The big challenge is not knowing when we will back to football, so setting targets and goals gets a little difficult.

“My golf swing has improved though, I’m hitting a few more down the middle for a change.

“However, nothing can replicate football training, being out on the pitch with your mates and working towards the weekend.”

Like so many talented footballers we are fortunate enough to see playing in our top tier NPL competition, Vekic echoed his thoughts on what he’s missed most about our beautiful game.

“You can’t replicate the feeling you get when your teammate can’t score from 6 yards for an entire week at training then scores a belter two weeks in a row to set the team up for a dream start to the season (Frangie).

“This can’t be replicated in a home gym.

“I am feeling the pause of football more so because of the start we had to our season.

“Some would say it’s a dream start, although it is only three games, it did feel like the team was finally playing to its potential and at the level a team like this deserves to be at.

“I felt a great buzz around the entire club in those three weeks and to see all that halted really hurt and has left a very strong urge and desire to return and pick up where we left off.

“Tseka and Flea have been in contact with the boys regularly and are keeping us close and focused as they share a lot of peoples optimism that we will be back.

“In short we are preparing for a return of some sort and seeing the boys on Zoom sessions and in group chats, the feeling is positive, I think we can continue from where we left off, with the same motivation, determination and drive to really be competitive this season.”

Staying focused, staying safe and above all, always checking in with the football family is something Vekic has held close to his heart during these tough times as it is this that will ensure the community will use to fight to get through to better times post COVID-19.

“I think the biggest message is perspective.

“We always need to focus on the positives.

“There are people around the world who are feeling this a lot more than what we are, however, I don’t want to take away from the ones who are struggling in these unprecedented times.

“We are lucky to be part of a community (football) which is pretty tight knit and there is always support there for those who want and/or need it.

“That’s the beauty of football, it extends beyond the pitch.”

Below is probably one of the funniest self-isolation clips any of the NPL NSW fraternity has put together, bravo Nenad!

Known as one of the biggest personalities in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, Marconi Stallions’ tough tackling defender Robbie Speranza has continued to push on with his healthy banter amidst the COVID-19 virus that has hit the globe.

Famous for his no nonsense defending along with his healthy ‘trash talk’ on the football pitch with the Stallions as well as promoting to his legion of Instagram followers ‘Taco Tuesdays’, amidst other forms of laughter, the proud new father of lovely daughter Liliana has continued on with keeping himself heavily occupied during these tough times.

“Being a physiotherapist, I am always in the gym working on weaknesses and personal goals.

“Other than that, plenty of Taco Tuesday sessions (laughs), and spending valuable time with my wife and new-born baby girl Liliana have been the norm for me.”

A physiotherapist by trade, Speranza has been able to trade as per normal but has missed his football fix.

“Fortunately working as a health practitioner, my profession has been deemed as an essential service, so my work in clinic hasn’t been affected too badly.

“I’m just missing my weekend NPL NSW Men’s football fix, getting to banter linesmen and young players as a sideline physio however.”

COVID-19 has affected many during this hard time, Speranza highlighted that keeping up with his normal day to day routine has been the toughest for him as has been the lack of no football.

“I think like most people it is very tough to change your routine, especially losing our beloved game.

“The release we get from football is incomparable, so to remove that factor from my life isn’t easy.

“My poor wife is now having to deal with my terrible banter daily, so I think she misses football too.”

With the closure of gyms along with the no training with clubs rule in full effect, the Stallions star has been fortunate that their Strength and Conditioning coach and former A-League and NPL player Brett Studman has kept him and the boys busy with a personal program.

“Brett has sent us thorough programs to follow to ensure we hit the ground running once the NPL NSW Men’s competition resumes.

“I personally am trying to maintain a high load, with a specific focus on injury prevention, in preparation for what may be a compressed schedule once we return.”

Asked what he missed most about the beautiful game Speranza replied.

“The thing I miss most is the changeroom banter which has developed a lot at Marconi this year.

“The winning culture is much more evident now, and even people like Nathan Millgate (the best aerial player in the world) are chirping up.

“There’s also nothing like that winning feeling with all your best mates.”

The message from Roberto to the NPL NSW Men’s football public about safety was simple.

“I think everyone alike is missing football, whether it be as a player, coach, spectator, or reporter.

“However, our health is most valuable, so as a collective, we need to unite as one and do whatever is necessary to combat this pandemic.

“And once it is over, I’m sure the stadiums will be exploding with people who have missed their football fix.”

Prior to the temporary shutdown of the competition, the Stallions were riding high with three wins from three matches.

With the unknown still settling in, one things for sure, Speranza and his teammates won’t be letting the downtime affect their vibe, then again, if you are looking for a pick me up, look no further to Robbie’s Instagram page @robbie.speranza

Check out Robbie in action with his little daughter Liliana promoting ‘Taco Tuesdays’.