July 14: the Markelis brothers to Europe

This week, Theo Markelis leaves for Valencia, and George Markelis flies to Italy to train with the first Italian Tour Trials group, prior to his arrival at Elenche. The Melbourne Phoenix u18's farewelled George and Theo after their July 13 match, and GISS Melbourne celebrated Theo and George's achievement that evening at the Reggio Calabria club headquarters of Genova International Australia. Some images in the gallery...

Ovada campus clinic, June 9-20

The second GISS Ovada campus clinic has begun at the Genova International home base in Ovada, Italy. Staff include GISS Director Morris Pagniello, with head coach Roberto Briata, and coaches Canepa, Picasso, Galliardi, Oliva, Jacabucci, and Teti. Over 150 players from throughout the Piedmonte and Liguria regions will attend the Ovada campus for an intensive clinic over 10 days.

Just For Kicks YKK Kids Football Clinics, Dhaka and Jakarta

Genova International and AS Roma have recently completed a series of clinics in Bangladesh and Indonesia which drew 800 young players between the ages of 10 and 14, and over 70 coaches interested to develop their skills under the guidance of Ramon Turone, Morris Pagniello, Mauro Zironelli and Joe De Martino.

Daniele Cacia scores for Fiorentina

21st February 2008: Daniele Cacia, GISS's biggest name scored the winning goal for Fiorentina against Rosenborg in the UEFA Cup, and now will play against Tim Cahill's Everton in the next round.

GISS association with Catania Calcio Youth Academy

GISS is currently involved in discussions with serie A club Catania Calcio in regard to the possibility of an ongoing association which would see GISS players travelling to Italy in 2008 to train at the Catania Youth Academy.



Morris Pagniello with Catania Calcio coach Baldini and director Piero Lo Monaco.

New full time Italian Academy 2008

As of September 2008, Morris Pagniello and the famous Gigi Maifredi ((left)) - Juventus 1st team coach in the 80's and 90s' - are to jointly open a new football academy. Gigi Maifredi is renowned as one of Italy's major icons in the football world.

The Maifredi family management group will also be GISS's Fifa agents for Italy. Christian Maifredi (pictured on the right) visited Australia in January and met with Gaby Priolo (GISS Australian Administrative Director) and Joe De Martino (Head Coach, GISS) to discuss future plans for the Australian academy.

Morris commented: "I'm very honoured and excited that the Maifredi family have chosen to work with GISS (Italy), as it proves that we have been able to take players and turn them into professionals in a short span of time. Players must realize that football is not just a game, if you want to earn an income playing football as a career, you must dedicate your whole life to it.... and enjoy the world's most famous game!"