Merenda had been in training with the Mariners for a month before earning his shot at the Hyundai A-League, having most recently completed the 2007/08 Italian Serie C1 campaign with Calcio Lecco, an historic club from the north of Italy once coached by Roberto Donadoni.

Born in Milan, Merenda came to Australia seeking a fresh challenge after 16 seasons in his home country that included stints at nine clubs across various divisions – peaking with six seasons in the third-tier Serie C1, a division that once pitted Merenda against current Qantas Socceroo Carl Valeri.

Equally at home in defence or midfield, Merenda was introduced to the yellow and navy set up as short-term cover for injured attacking ace Ahmad Elrich.
Merenda's signing, albeit on a short-term basis, was a significant one for the Mariners, who until his capture had yet to engage the services of a foreign player from abroad.
He was released after failing to break into the first team.
Merenda had been in training with the Mariners for a month before earning his shot at the Hyundai A-League, having most recently completed the 2007/08 Italian Serie C1 campaign with Calcio Lecco, an historic club from the north of Italy once coached by Roberto Donadoni.
Born in Milan, Merenda came to Australia seeking a fresh challenge after 16 seasons in his home country that included stints at nine clubs across various divisions – peaking with six seasons in the third-tier Serie C1, a division that once pitted Merenda against current Qantas Socceroo Carl Valeri.
Equally at home in defence or midfield, Merenda was introduced to the yellow and navy set up as short-term cover for injured attacking ace Ahmad Elrich. Merenda's signing, albeit on a short-term basis, was a significant one for the Mariners, who until his capture had yet to engage the services of a foreign player from abroad. He was released after failing to break into the first team.
Andrea Merenda