He’s an experience defender who has spent the last five seasons in Australia but how well do you know Iacopo La Rocca? Here’s everything you need to know.
In full
His full name is Iacopo La Rocca. The defender was born on 17 February 1984 in Rome, Italy and stands at 1.88m or 6 foot 2 inches.
The Italian Job
As a Roman, it is either the maroon or light blue side of the city you follow and La Rocca began his footballing journey with the Eagles of Lazio.
With stints at lower level clubs like Fermana, Sassari Torres and Chieti, the Italian’s career would continue elsewhere…
Swiss miss
La Rocca would move to Switzerland to kick-start his career with AC Bellinzona, playing in the top tier before making the move to Swiss giants Grasshopper.
The then midfielder played almost 100 games over four seasons in the Swiss Super League, also representing Bellinzona in the UEFA Cup.
Aussie adventures
The Italian took a gamble in 2012 and ventured across the globe to Australia where he trialled with the Western Sydney Wanderers. La Rocca’s gamble paid off, earning a one year contract with the newly-formed side as one of its inaugural players.
The defender missed the 2013 Grand Final through suspension and despite the setback, played an important role in the Wanderers ACL Champions League success as well as receiving the Joe Marston Medal in the 2014 Grand Final.
It was third time lucky for La Rocca in 2016 as he finally lifted the A-League trophy with Adelaide United, notching 88 league appearances with an impressive CV in the domestic competition.
Dinky di Iaco
La Rocca became an Australian Citizen in November 2016 after living in Australia for four years.
The Italian – who’s daughter Sophia was born in Australia – does not count as a visa player on the roster and is also considered an Australian player if City qualify for the AFC Champions League.
Connections aplenty
La Rocca will be no stranger in the change room for a number of City players, having previously played with the former Reds contingent of Eugene Galekovic, Ruon Tongyik and Bruce Kamau as well as Dean Bouzanis at Western Sydney Wanderers.
