Cristian Volpato is set to switch allegiance from Italy to Australia in time to join the Socceroos training camp before the 2026 World Cup. The 22-year-old attacker will link up with the training squad in Los Angeles ahead of a friendly against Mexico, providing a major boost to the Australian national team.
Background and Career
Volpato was born and raised in Sydney, playing junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney Wanderers before moving to Italy. He joined Roma's youth setup in 2020 and made his senior debut under José Mourinho during the 2021-22 Serie A season. After 14 appearances and two goals for Roma, he transferred to Sassuolo in 2023, where he has since played 72 times, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions. He helped Sassuolo return to Serie A after relegation and has contributed two goals and four assists in 24 appearances this season.
Allegiance Change Process
Football Australia has submitted all necessary paperwork to FIFA and awaits ratification of Volpato's decision to switch allegiances. He previously represented Italy at Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 levels, with his last appearance in a friendly in March 2025. Despite earlier offers to play for Australia, including before the 2022 World Cup, he declined. However, his exclusion from Italy's recent friendly squad and Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup have facilitated his change of heart.
Impact on Socceroos Squad
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic must name his 26-player World Cup squad by 1 June. With first-choice attacker Riley McGree ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Volpato is in contention for a late call-up. He will not play in the friendly against Mexico on 31 May but could make his full international debut in Australia's opening World Cup match against Turkey on 14 June. The Socceroos currently have 30 players in their train-on unit, needing to reduce to 26.
