Volpato chooses Australia after turning down Italy

Cristian Volpato has officially chosen to represent Australia, joining the Socceroos’ training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup. The 22‑year‑old attacking midfielder, born and raised in Sydney but capped at youth level by Italy, plays for Sassuolo in Serie A. After rejecting a call‑up for the 2022 World Cup and signalling earlier this year that he preferred to “wait for Italy”, Volpato has now switched allegiance. Football Australia confirmed they received Italy’s release letter and submitted the required paperwork to FIFA for a change of association, which will make him eligible once approved.

His decision comes as Australia deal with the loss of playmaker Riley McGree, ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered at Middlesbrough. Coach Tony Popovic will announce his final 26‑man squad on Monday. Australia face Turkey, the United States and Paraguay in the group stage, opening their campaign in Vancouver on June 13.