Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Seventy-seven-year-old John Alberti couldn’t be more excited to reconnect with his Sicilian heritage this week – as Fremantle became home turf for the Palermo Football Club.
The port city is literally tickled pink to host the club on its first Australian tour, and Mr Alberti has been among locals keen to help showcase the Sicilian heritage that helped build it.
Mr Alberti, who arrived in Fremantle on a boat in 1959, said local football fever was palpable.
“Being Sicilians, we definitely support the Palermo. It’s very exciting they’re here and making their base at Gage Roads,” he said.
“What a buzz there’s been, not only for the Sicilians but the community in general here in Fremantle. The city has been revitalised because of all the nice, beautiful colours, the rosanero — pink and black — colours of Palermo. The Cappuccino Strip is full of that stuff, all the way down to South Terrace.
“I was down at the Italian Club yesterday putting flags up, and people want to know what’s going on. We just get it out there as much as possible. . . it’s going to get lots of people into Fremantle.”
Like Fremantle, Perth has been awash in the Italian soccer frenzy this week as two of the world’s biggest clubs and bitter rivals – AC Milan and Inter – prepared to do battle. Having the Serie B Palermo side in Perth has provided an added bonus, especially for those who trace their family roots back to Sicily.
The Calcio Italiano tournament officially began last night when AC Milan played Inter at Optus Stadium. Inter plays Juventus at Optus on Saturday night. Then Juventus plays Parlermo in a final game on August 11 at HBF Park.
Palermo will also play Melbourne City today (August 7) for the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy game at Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Mr Alberti grew up in a little fishing town called Capo d’Orlando in provincia di Messina, about 2 1/2 hours’ drive from the capital Palermo, in southern Italy. A former city councillor and current Italian Club vice president said there couldn’t be a better place than Fremantle to host the Sicilian team, given their long-standing cultural ties.
“It’s amazing for Fremantle. You couldn’t get better than Fremantle, because the majority of people here, when we all migrated, we’re Sicilian, and about 95 per cent were from Capo d’Orlando,” he said.
“In 1864, the first d’Orlandini started the fishing industry here at Point Peron, that’s how far it goes back. My grandfather was here in 1923, and his two brothers were here before him.”
Mr Alberti said Italian Club had been invited to the games and he was going to go to all of them.
“We are very proud of our heritage, and anybody is proud of their own heritage, but to have Palermo here in Fremantle is amazing,” he said.
“I’ve been wearing my pink top every time I go somewhere to do with Palermo. Pink scarves, all that type of stuff. We’re very proud to have these people here, and very proud of what the City of Fremantle is doing for the Italian community.”
Fremantle streets and local businesses have been awash with Palermo pink as the Sicilian football club prepared to headline two matches in Perth. Fans and players are using Fremantle as their home base throughout the week-long tour, with waterfront brewhouse Gage Roads named as the official community hub, Casa Sicilia.
The hub is offering live match screenings, special appearances from players and head coach Filippo Inzaghi, live entertainment and Sicilian-inspired food and drinks until August 10.
The Fremantle Festa Siciliana at Fremantle Oval on Sunday, August 9, runs from 11am to 1pm. Junior footballers, families and any local fans are encouraged to head down and meet the Palermo FC players and club legends in a celebration of grassroots football and Italian culture.
“They want to see as many people as possible – Italians, Australians, and lots of Sicilians as well,” Mr Alberti said.
“I say to people, come early so you can get a parking spot somewhere. Fremantle is going to be chock-a-block, full of people. Bring the kids, grandkids, doesn’t matter how young or old they are – bring them over and they can have a chat to the players and maybe get some autographs.”
The city, which received support from Tourism WA, has been decked out in rosanero decor and community activations, which deputy mayor Fedele Camarda said is classic Fremantle.
“As a fourth-generation Sicilian descendant, I am incredibly proud to welcome Palermo FC to Fremantle. Our city has a deep and enduring connection to Sicily, with generations of Sicilian families helping to shape Fremantle’s identity, culture and community spirit,” he said.
“For many local families, this visit represents a meaningful connection to their ancestral homeland and a chance to honour the legacy of those who made Fremantle their home.
“We are delighted to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Palermo FC to our city and look forward to sharing the warmth, hospitality and strong community values that Fremantle is known for.”
