# Nicholas Pennington

Nicholas Pennington (born 18 December 1998) is a professional soccer player who plays as a central midfielder for Perth Glory. Born in Italy, he represented Australia at youth international level.

## Early life

Born in Rome, Pennington is of Australian descent through his father who originated from Perth. He has stated his interest in representing the Australia national team.

## Club career
### Cagliari

Pennington began his career with Cagliari. He made his first appearance on the bench on 27 November 2016 in a Serie A match against Udinese and the second three days later in a match against Sampdoria in the fourth round of Coppa Italia, but both times he did not appear on the field.

#### Loan to Olbia

On 19 August 2017, he was loaned to Serie C club Olbia on a seasons-long loan deal. On 4 October, Pennington made his debut for Olbia as a substitute replacing Enrico Geroni in the 28th minute of a 0–0 home draw against Pistoiese. Four days later, on 8 October he played his first entire match for Olbia, a 2–1 home defeat against Robur Siena. On 18 February 2018, Pennington scored his first professional goal in the 51st minute of a 2–1 away win over Pistoiese. Pennington ended his loan to Olbia with 25 appearances, 1 goal and 1 assist.

### Olbia

At the end of the loan period, Olbia signed Pennington outright for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. On 19 September he played his first match of the season in a 3–2 away win over Albissola, he was replaced by Joseph Tetteh after 75 minutes. Four days later he played his first entire match of the season, a 2–1 home win over Aurora Pro Patria.

### Wellington Phoenix

On 30 July 2021, Pennington signed for New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix who play in the A-League. Pennington scored his first Phoenix goal on 26 March 2022, a 97th-minute winner in a 2–1 victory over Perth Glory.
On 19 June 2024, the Phoenix announced that Pennington was leaving the club.

### Perth Glory

On 19 June 2024, Perth Glory announced that Pennington had joined the club on a two-year contract.

## Career statistics
### Club

    As of 22 December 2024
| Club | Season | League | League | League | National cup | National cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Cagliari | 2016–17 | Serie A | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| Olbia (loan) | 2017–18 | Serie C | 25 | 1 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 25 | 1 |
| Olbia | 2018–19 | Serie C | 30 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| Olbia | 2019–20 | Serie C | 24 | 2 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 26 | 2 |
| Olbia | 2020–21 | Serie C | 36 | 2 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 36 | 2 |
| Olbia | Total | Total | 115 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 119 | 5 |
| Wellington Phoenix | 2021–22 | A-League Men | 22 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 26 | 1 |
| Wellington Phoenix | 2022–23 | A-League Men | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 0 |
| Wellington Phoenix | 2023–24 | A-League Men | 25 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 27 | 2 |
| Wellington Phoenix | Total | Total | 61 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 3 |
| Wellington Phoenix Reserves | 2022 | New Zealand National League | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Perth Glory | 2024–25 | A-League Men | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 8 | 0 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 185 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 198 | 9 |
* ↑ Includes Coppa Italia, Australia Cup
* 1 2 Appearances in Coppa Italia Serie C