A-League Melbourne derby: Reno Piscopo on Inter Milan and returning to Australia

Scouted by Inter Milan when he was just 12, A-League star Reno Piscopo talks about his unique life in football involving chefs, maids and pressure to make it at the highest level.

Having spent more than half of his life abroad chasing his professional football dream, playing for his childhood club in the derby hits a little bit differently for Reno Piscopo.

The Melbourne Victory midfielder has done his career backwards to most A-League’s players – starting first overseas then returning home.

Piscopo, 26, was just 12-years-old when he landed his first overseas gig. After trialling in Melbourne he was accepted into the Inter Milan academy.

“My mum and dad came over for the first year and then once I was old enough I moved into the house where they keep all the players from different cities and countries – there was probably 30 of us in the house – it was a mansion,” Piscopo said.

Reno Piscopo playing for Inter Milan after coming up through the academy. Photo: supplied

“We had chefs and maids taking care of us, we all went to school together, it was set up very well.

“Obviously there were pros and cons — I missed out on family time, birthdays, Christmas, New Years, but overall I did enjoy it.”

Piscopo said his parents were very supportive of his journey and always reminded him he could come home at any time.

“But I was 12 years old playing against Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City — it was amazing,” he said.

“I was training every single day, I was surrounded by great players, so I decided to stay.”

Piscopo stayed with the club for six years before moving to Torino and then Renate for first-team experience.

“I won a couple of titles with Inter growing up with the youth team, the whole journey taught me so much,” he said.

“It taught me a lot about the football world, how it runs and how it works.

“It definitely made me mature from a young age and to grow up really quick. It just made me want to be a professional footballer.

“It could have gone either way — I could have decided I didn’t want to do this anymore but I stuck it out.”

Reno Piscopo spent years overseas chasing his football dream. Photo: supplied

After nine years away from home Piscopo wanted to move back closer – landing a contract with Wellington Phoenix in 2019. He then did two years at Newcastle before joining Melbourne Victory in 2024.

His career highlights include scorring a goal in the A-Leagues’ All Stars Game in 2022 against Barcelona, and representing Australia in football at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

But Piscopo said none of it compared to the feeling of pulling on the Victory jersey for the first time.

It was the team he grew up watching.

“Coming back home to Melbourne Victory, after being away for 14 years, was an amazing feeling,” Piscopo said.

“I scored my first goal for Victory in front of my friends and family – it just meant that little bit more.”

Reno Piscopo celebrates a goal for Victory in November.

Piscopo said anticipation for the derby clash with City had been building all week.

“It means a little bit more because I’m from here and all my family and friends come to the game supporting Victory, it’s a big occasion for me and I’m super excited for it,” he said.

But with Victory just one point ahead of City on the ladder there is a lot more than just bragging rights on the line this weekend.

“The table is pretty tight this year, so every game is very important, this one also because it’s a derby as well which makes it extra spicy,” he said.

“There’s a lot of adrenaline going through us and also the fans, they get us through the game – it’s what makes the difference.”

This angle of Reno Piscopo's wondergoal 🤤⚽️ pic.twitter.com/vcL5pJy1V6

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) November 5, 2024

Securing the three points this weekend would put Piscopo one step closer towards one of his goals for the season – helping his club win a trophy.

“Everyone knows my other goal is to try and get into the Socceroos, so hopefully I can perform and that can come true,” he said.

Melbourne Victory take on Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday at 7.35pm (AEDT).

Originally published as A-League Melbourne derby: Reno Piscopo on Inter Milan and returning to Australia