Gallifuoco, 25, arrives from Western Sydney Wanderers where he signed in March and played the final seven games of their campaign before he was released at the end of the season.

However Mariners coach Alen Stajcic swooped to snap him up for the next two seasons.

“Coming from the Wanderers, Giancarlo was a consistent performer and showed a great presence," said Stajcic.

"We’ll expect the same thing here at the Mariners, that he fits into the new team and hits the ground running.



“We’re looking forward to Giancarlo joining us next season. His versatility and being able to play a variety of roles will be an important part of our team moving forward."

Before his return to the A-League Gallifuoco, known as GG, plied his trade with Italian Serie C side FC Rieti after spells as a youth player with Spurs and Swansea in the UK.



The former Australian Olyroo made his A-League debut in 2015 for Melbourne Victory before a return to England saw him play for Torquay United and Dover Athletic.

“I’m very excited to get going,” Gallifuoco said. “Everyone at the Mariners wants to be a part of returning this club to the powerhouse that it once was.

"People forget about the trophies this club has won – their form in recent years hasn’t been great but I remember watching the Central Coast of old who were a Premiership winning, Grand Final winning team.

“Alen spoke to me about his vision for the future and the role he sees me playing, but even coming up against the Mariners this season, seeing how he tactically set the team up was very impressive.

"I could see that Alen was the type of the coach I wanted to play under so I am delighted to join the Mariners."

He promised to bring his versatility to the Gosford with an adaptability across the pitch.



He added: “I’m physical, fast and that’s why I’ve always been able to transition from midfield to centre back, to right back or even in more attacking roles.

"At the Mariners, regardless of what position I play, I want the fans to know that I’m the kind of player that will use every single bit of energy at every training session, in every game. I leave nothing on the pitch.

“All I want, is to be a part of the resurgence of getting this club back to where it deserves to be.”