The effect of Alessandro Del Piero's arrival in Australia is not limited to an increase in attendances and shirt sales but is paving the way for Australia's best young talent to play in Europe.

On Thursday, Sydney FC announced that 19-year-old star Terry Antonis will join Parma on a four-year deal after accepting the Italian club's offer of a payment plan to end months of negotiations. Sydney chief executive Tony Pignata revealed that Parma made an offer for Antonis after he impressed their staff when they tuned in to watch Del Piero play in the A-League. All Sydney FC games last season were broadcast live in Italy, and the Sky Blues chief believes the increased exposure created by Del Piero led to the opportunity for Antonis to play in Serie A.

Trend-setter: Alessandro Del Piero. Credit:Anthony Johnson

''Yes, there's no doubt. As you know all our games get televised live week-in, week-out and that does have a bearing on people over there, clubs overseas looking at our players,'' Pignata said. ''I know that they've seen him play full games with our games shown live in Italy. That's pleasing and he's going to one of the big leagues. We just hope that he's utilised to the best of his ability, and he's not shunted and loaned out to a lower division club.''

Although Parma have already indicated Antonis will be given an immediate chance to stake his claim for a regular first team spot. Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi informed Antonis he will be included in the senior squad for their pre-season campaign following his commitments with the Young Socceroos in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey.

''I spoke to the general manager, the president and they were really happy with how I was going and they said to keep it up,'' Antonis said. ''I haven't spoke to him [coach Roberto Donadoni] yet but I just can't wait to get started. [I will] Definitely [be going] straight into the first team.''

Antonis' transfer to Parma had stalled for nearly two months after Sydney FC stood firm over their request to receive the transfer fee of $300,000 in one lump sump. They eventually accepted Parma's offer to pay over three instalments.