Gallifuoco, who only joined the promoted club in July, has been a regular for Gli Amarantocelesti this season.

The Sydneysider has been made vice-captain of Rieti and has already captained the first-team.

Gallifuoco has become a vital asset for the club with his versatility, featuring in four different positions in defence and mifield.

The 24-year-old told FTBL he has "loved every minute" at Rieti after spending the past two years playing in the UK.

"I captained my first match a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed getting back into a creative and quick style of football," he said.

"The first six months have been really enjoyable. The town is about 45 minutes outside of Rome, has a lot of history, beautiful weather and a great stadium right in the middle of the mountains.

"Rieti has just been bought by new investors, who have major aspirations for the club to do well and move up the league."

So far Gallifuoco has featured at left back, right back, in central defence and central midfield. 

"Our coach loves to test different formations," he said.

"I’ve enjoyed pushing myself to adjust to each game depending on what position I’m playing. I think it’s been a great way for me stretch and grow as a more versatile player. As well as give me a chance to perfect skills and techniques I haven’t been able to utilise in the last few years.

"I’m very fortunate that my coach has a lot of faith and confidence in me, and knows that I’m always eager to learn."

Gallifuoco has spent most of the past six years in England after leaving the AIS and signing with Tottenham as an 18-year-old.

He had a season with Swansea City before a brief spell with Melbourne Victory in the A-League.

The former Joey, Young Socceroo and Olyroo then had two years in England's National League with Torquay United and Dover Athletic.

Gallifuoco admits the style of football in Italy has been vastly different to his experiences in the UK.

"Italian football is a style of its own," he said.

"Definitely a big change  football-wise, a lot less physical than the UK. It’s all about thinking tactically, playing creatively and constantly keeping the ball moving.

"I started my career here in Italy when I was 16, so coming back to the home ground and being able get back to playing this style of football has been great."

Rieti are sitting in 15th spot in the 19-team Girone C division with three wins, one draw and six losses from 10 matches.

Considering the club was promoted from Serie D last season, the defender is pleased with how his side are coping.

"It’s been up and down, incredible highs as well as the occasional low, which I think is quite common with every club," Gallifuoco said.

"Our team is full of talented footballers and for a new club with such a young team, in the hardest division in our league (Girone C), I think we’re coping quite well. We have played games against Serie A Legends and are up against clubs with incredible team budgets.

"The aim for all of us is to play our best football, make the fans proud and keep us in the upper section of the Serie C table. The table is so close, you can be both two points from the relegation zone and two points from a promotion place at the same time.

"And I’ve heard it remains like this until the end of the season."