Merrick was pleased with his signing, which is the culmination of three months of work.

“I’m sure the time spent on signing Marco will be well worth it,” Merrick said.

“It was vitally important that we replaced Ben Sigmund with an experienced player because you need two experienced players at the heart of defence.

“As a centre back it is very much about reading the play and starting possession from the back and Marco has the experience to do that.

“Centre back is all about judging the offside line and I believe Marco and Dura will form a good combination.

“No other country in the world has developed defenders like Italy and our young players like Dylan Fox can learn a lot from someone like Marco.”

The club is still looking for a fullback, defensive midfielder and a back-up striker, which in addition to Rossi, General Manager David Dome believed would put the club in good stead for the coming season.

“The club is committed to Ernie’s playing strategy of an exciting brand of football, hence the signing of Kosta Barbarouses and Gui Finkler with significant investment,” Dome said.

“We will take our time in making further acquisitions but they will be completed before the season begins.

“If we put together the right squad it will help us achieve our objectives of increased attendance and television viewing figures.”

Rossi arrived in Wellington in driving rain and bitterly cold temperatures after leaving Italy in 35 degree heat.

“It is a bit different that is for sure,” a smiling Rossi said.

Asked why he had decided to join the Phoenix Rossi said he felt it was time for a change and wanted to try something different.

“I spoke to (former Socceroo) Vince Grella and he said it would be good experience to come down here,”.

“I also talked to (Socceroo goalkeeper) Mark Birighitti who told me a lot about the A-League and was really enthusiastic about it.

“I took my time before making the decision because going to the other side of the world is a big change.”