Maccarone’s victory bid
BRETT Holman is excited about what Massimo Maccarone can bring to the Brisbane Roar table this season.
The Roar’s hopes of a successful 2017- 18 campaign, which officially starts with tonight’s FFA Cup clash against Melbourne Victory at Perry Park, rest heavily on how well marquee men Holman and Maccarone combine in attack.
The pair worked in unison for 20 minutes last Saturday, with Maccarone scoring two goals in a memorable secondhalf cameo as the Roar beat Brisbane Premier League club Peninsula Power 4- 2 at AJ Kelly Park.
The Roar’s task will be tougher tonight against a Victory side that will include the likes of Besart Berisha, James Troisi, Kosta Barbarouses and Rhys Williams.
But with 37- year- old former Italian international striker Maccarone set to be involved after receiving his visa clearance, there is an air of confidence in the Roar camp.
“He’s been doing well,” Holman said of the ex- Empoli marksman.
“The way we want to play is definitely different from the Italian style of football but you saw the glimpses, what he had on the weekend, and you see his awareness of football and once he gets that little bit more sharpness, that little bit more fitness, he’ll be good.”
Roar coach John Aloisi said tonight’s match presented Maccarone with a chance “to see what the A- League’s all about against an opposition that are normally there or thereabouts at the end of the season”.
“He’ll be involved ( tonight), which is great news for him and another step in the right direction for him to get games under his belt,” Aloisi said.
Holman vowed that the Roar would “go for it” against the team that ended Brisbane’s hopes of grabbing A- League glory last season in the finals series.
FNQ Heat are also in FFA Cup action tonight, taking on fellow NPL club Sydney United at Edensor Park.