Josh Oluwayemi howler sparks A-League rout as Wellington coach Giancarlo Italiano quits after ‘horror show’ derby loss
Wellington goalkeeper josh oluwayemi headed into his own net from outside the penalty area, a misjudgement that ignited a 5-0 defeat to Auckland FC and prompted coach Giancarlo Italiano to step down with immediate effect. The result left the Wellington side reeling and raised urgent questions about form and leadership heading into the remainder of the campaign.
Josh Oluwayemi howler triggers first-half collapse
The match turned decisively when a long clearance by Jake Girdwood-Reich caught the Wellington goalkeeper off his line. From roughly 75 metres out, the clearance bounced and the goalkeeper misread the flight, ultimately heading the ball into his own net. That moment was the catalyst for a chaotic first half in which the visitors put four goals past Wellington before the interval.
The josh oluwayemi error left the goalkeeper stranded in no-man's land on a later occasion as well, when Jesse Randall’s second of the day capitalised on his vulnerability and effectively ended Wellington’s hopes of a response. The home manager reacted at half-time by substituting the goalkeeper and bringing on Alby Kelly-Heald in an attempt to steady the side.
Italiano resigns after ‘horror show’ derby loss
In the post-match press conference the coach said the 5-0 home defeat was unacceptable and that he took full responsibility, tendering his resignation with immediate effect. The coach had been involved with the club for several years and had led the team to a strong finish in his first season. Recent results, including a run without victory over five games and a low placing in the table, were cited as factors in his decision to step down.
The resignation followed a dramatic match narrative: Auckland landed only three shots on target in the first half yet led 4-0 at the break. Guillermo May added a finish in the 41st minute, and Jesse Randall’s pair of goals compounded Wellington’s collapse. After the introduction of the substitute goalkeeper the game was calmer until Lachlan Brook sealed the rout with a late strike.
Implications for Wellington and the derby landscape
Auckland’s emphatic win extended their dominance in this local rivalry; they have now won every derby meeting to date and sit second in the standings as a result. The victory reduced the gap to the league leaders to a single point, tightening the top-of-the-table picture and increasing pressure on other challengers.
For Wellington, the defeat and the manager’s immediate departure create an urgent need for regrouping. The team’s slide in results—culminating in a comprehensive home loss—will force internal discussions about personnel, tactics and how best to arrest the decline. The goalkeeper change at half-time and the visibility of the own goal place particular focus on defensive organisation and decision-making in pressured moments.
Recent developments indicate that Wellington must address both short-term stability and longer-term direction. The club will need to identify interim leadership, assess player confidence and determine whether tactical adjustments or personnel changes can restore form before the season’s remaining fixtures. Details on any appointment or structural changes are expected to follow as the club considers next steps.
Match specifics: Auckland converted multiple chances to build a 4-0 half-time lead, Wellington replaced their goalkeeper at the interval, and a late goal extended the margin to 5-0. The result and the manager’s resignation mark a significant turning point for the Wellington side.
