The former Tottenham and Swansea City junior will fly out to Italy next week after officially announcing his departure from fifth tier English side Dover Athletic.

Gallifuoco, who made 45 appearances for The Whites in 2017/18 scoring five goals, said the Rieti move meant "everything" to him and his long-term Socceroos dream.

"I have been so meticulous in trying to choose the best pathway for me as a player and as a person to get me to the point that I can play for my country," the 24-year-old said.

"That is always my goal in every choice that I make and I just hope that I can work hard and express myself to the best of my ability to help facilitate that dream whilst helping my new club get into serie B."

Gallifuoco has turned out for Australia at U17, U20 and U23 level and is hopeful his latest move will put him back on the radar of national selectors. 

The Skyblue returned to Serie C in May this year and were acquired by Greek businessman Manthos Poulinakis who also owns Greek Super League club OFI Crete. 

The club has earmarked back-to-back promotions which would see them in Serie B for the 2019/20 campaign.

Gallifuoco hasn't been afraid to take the hard road, methodically working his way up from the lower leagues since leaving the A-League.

He was given limited opportunities at Victory, making just three appearances in 2015/16, before joiningTorquay United, then Dover .