PETALING JAYA: Giancarlo Gallifuoco arrived in Kuala Lumpur with little fanfare and few expectations five years ago.  

Today, the towering Italian-Australian centreback is not just a senior figure at Kuala Lumpur but one of the Malaysian Super League’s most respected voices - on and off the pitch.

As he enters his fifth season with the City Boys, Gallifuoco reflects on the journey with gratitude, humility, and unshakable love for a city, club, and culture that embraced him fully.

"I’m incredibly grateful to be reaching this milestone," he said. 

"As a footballer, you’re always trying to find a home where you play your best football and feel valued. Kuala Lumpur has been that place for me."

In his time at Kuala Lumpur, Gallifuoco has played in three finals - winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021 and finishing runners-up in the 2022 AFC Cup and 2023 FA Cup - and helped shape a team known as much for their grit as their growing silverware ambitions. 

Yet, for him, it is not just about what happens on the pitch.

"My favourite compliment is when people say we’re known for our camaraderie, our culture, our never-say-never attitude," said the 31-year-old, who once played for top European sides like Torino and Tottenham Hotspur.

"That’s what we’re about. We call ourselves Keluarga KL City - a family. "That bond is what defines us.”

Now with high-profile arrivals like Safawi Rasid, Syamer Kutty Abba, Manuel Hidalgo, and Kpah Sherman, expectations have never been higher. 

A new coach, Risto Vidakovic, is at the helm, bringing renewed ambition to Kuala Lumpur’s campaign.

"There’s definitely more expectations this year," Gallifuoco admits. 

"But expectations can be the thief of joy if you don’t use it correctly. First and foremost, we’re competing with the KL City of last year. We want to do better than sixth. That’s our first hurdle.

"We’ve got real quality players now - players who can devastate teams. But our foundation will always be the culture in the dressing room - helping each other get better, winning together, celebrating each other’s success."

With such a deep connection to the club and the country, it’s no surprise that the topic of naturalisation has become a serious conversation surrounding Gallifuoco.

"To even have people talk about me playing for the national team - that’s the most flattering thing. It’s an honour. I’ve been called the ‘adopted one,’ and I wear that with pride."

Born in Sydney to Italian parents, Gallifuoco says Malaysia feels more like home than anywhere else he’s lived in adulthood.

"I come from a culture where football and food are everything and Malaysia reflects that. Malays, Chinese, Indians - all here for a better life, all proud of their roots, and all united through food and football.

"From eating with my hands at Indian restaurants to grabbing ikat tepi on the way to the stadium - I love it. It’s become part of me.

"This is the longest place I’ve lived as an adult. More than Sydney or London. I’m way more a city boy now than I am a Sydney boy."

But Gallifuoco’s love for Malaysia goes beyond lifestyle. He is deeply passionate about the growth of the Malaysian League and he is not afraid to say what he thinks it needs.

"The Malaysian League has everything - culture, history, community. I love that people can go to the restaurant, watch a game, and talk about when their dad watched Selangor or Pahang back in the day. It’s beautiful."

Still, he believes the league can reach greater heights - if clubs and fans work together.

"People say, ‘Johor will win anyway.’ But that’s not the point. Even in leagues where one team dominate, fans still show up. Why? Because there’s pride in supporting your club.

"Look at Sabah, Terengganu, Selangor, and us - we’re all close in quality and fighting for the top spots. That’s exciting. But the atmosphere needs to match the potential. The Indonesian League doesn’t always have better teams but their fans create a show and that brings value."

"If more clubs built stronger connections with fans, the energy in stadiums would skyrocket. That, in turn, brings better players, bigger moments, and more belief in the league."