Cristian Volpato shocks World Cup scene with Australia switch over Italy

Cristian Volpato Joins Socceroos for World Cup Preparations

In a dramatic twist, Cristian Volpato is set to travel to the United States to join the Socceroos just two weeks before the World Cup. The Italy-based attacking midfielder has been added to Tony Popovic’s train-on squad and will participate in the pre-camp in Los Angeles ahead of the international match against Mexico on Sunday morning (AEST).

Volpato, who was born and raised in Sydney and played his junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney before moving to Italy, represented Italy at U19 and U20 levels. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in his three seasons with Sassuolo after two seasons with fellow Serie A club Roma.

In March, Volpato expressed his hope of being selected by the Italian senior side, which ultimately failed to qualify for the World Cup. Popovic responded by saying, “I wish him well” regarding Volpato’s plans to defect.

Football Australia (FA) has submitted paperwork to FIFA and is awaiting a Change of Association Clearance from the world governing body to ratify Volpato’s allegiance switch. FA has received a release letter from the Italian Football Federation, and once cleared, Volpato will be eligible to represent Australia.

The Socceroos are aware that 30 players cannot fit into 26 spots. Australia has left their pre-World Cup training camp in Sarasota, Florida, to begin their west coast sojourn. The match against Mexico will serve as the final audition before Popovic selects his 26-player World Cup squad, which must be submitted to FIFA by June 1.

Forward Archie Thompson, who was among those competing for a spot under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 World Cup, can relate to the current group’s attempt to impress Popovic. Thompson shared his insights with AAP, stating, “Every little bit of what you’ve got can improve and maybe change his mind.”

Thompson emphasized the pressure of representing Australia in World Cup qualifiers or friendlies, noting, “Even putting on an Australian jersey for World Cup qualifiers, or even just friendlies are always nerve-wracking, because you want to be performing all the time, but this one just has a bit more carrot to it.” He also mentioned the challenges faced by players in such situations.

Thompson, one of Australia’s most recognizable footballers, did not get any game time in 2006 behind Mark Viduka and John Aloisi. A knee injury affected his chances in 2010, and he was left out by Ange Postecoglou in 2014. However, he understands the position of current players, stating, “There’s always twists and turns in whether he might see something that he didn’t see before in those camps, whether it might be football, maybe your mentality, because I know Popa’s very strong on that.”

Jason Geria, Milos Degenek, and Kai Trewin are among those vying for defensive spots, along with teenager Lucas Herrington. Forward Nishan Velupillay is a contentious option for some but has consistently performed under Popovic when he was with Melbourne Victory.

Injuries have ruled out Riley McGree, Lewis Miller, Patrick Yazbek, Nicholas D’Agostino, and Hayden Matthews, while Mitch Duke, Alex Robertson, and Anthony Caceres were cut this week. With Mat Ryan as the clear No.1 goalkeeper and Paul Izzo as a potential deputy, either Patrick Beach or Joe Gauci appears likely to miss out.

Aiden O’Neill’s fitness after an ankle injury could influence whether Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin makes the final cut. Mathew Leckie’s late-season A-League Men form has thrust him into contention, like Harry Souttar’s return to fitness.

Popovic knows the core of what he wants, and the fringe players will need to show they can adapt. Thompson added, “It’s always so difficult.”