In a dramatic late development, Cristian Volpato is set to join the Australian national team in the United States, just two weeks before the World Cup. The attacking midfielder, who currently plays in Italy, has been added to Tony Popovic's train-on squad and will participate in the pre-camp in Los Angeles ahead of the friendly against Mexico on Sunday morning (AEST).
Background and Allegiance Switch
Volpato, born and raised in Sydney, played his junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney before moving to Italy. He represented Italy at the U19 and U20 levels. The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in three seasons with Sassuolo, following two seasons at Roma. In March, he stated he was 'waiting for Italy' to select him for the senior side, which ultimately failed to qualify for the World Cup. Popovic responded days later, saying, 'I wish him well,' regarding Volpato's potential switch.
Football Australia (FA) confirmed on Friday that it has submitted the necessary paperwork to FIFA and is awaiting a Change of Association Clearance to ratify Volpato's allegiance change. FA has received a release letter from the Italian Football Federation, and once cleared, Volpato will be eligible to represent Australia.
Squad Selection Pressure
The Socceroos face a tough decision: 30 players are vying for just 26 spots in the final World Cup squad. Australia has left their pre-camp in Sarasota, Florida, to head to the west coast. The Mexico match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, will serve as the final audition before Popovic submits his 26-player squad to FIFA on June 1.
Former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who competed for a spot under Guus Hiddink in 2006, understands the pressure. 'Every little bit of what you've got can improve and maybe change his mind,' Thompson told AAP. '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. I've been there before, it's strenuous.'
Thompson, one of Australia's most recognisable footballers, did not play a minute in 2006 due to the presence of Mark Viduka and John Aloisi. A knee injury ended his 2010 hopes, and he was omitted by Ange Postecoglou in 2014. 'I can definitely understand the position those players are in,' he said. '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.'
Key Battles for Positions
Defensive spots are hotly contested among Jason Geria, Milos Degenek, Kai Trewin, and teenager Lucas Herrington. Forward Nishan Velupillay is a contentious option but has performed well under Popovic at Melbourne Victory. 'He's very loyal to the players that haven't let him down,' Thompson noted.
Injuries have ruled out Riley McGree, Lewis Miller, Patrick Yazbek, Nicholas D'Agostino, and Hayden Matthews. Mitch Duke, Alex Robertson, and Anthony Caceres were cut this week. In goal, Mat Ryan is the clear No.1, Paul Izzo is the deputy, and either Patrick Beach or Joe Gauci may miss out. Aiden O'Neill's fitness after an ankle injury could determine whether Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin makes the cut. Mathew Leckie's late-season A-League Men form has thrust him into contention, along with Harry Souttar's return to fitness.
'Popa knows or has an idea about the core of what he wants and then obviously it'll be the fringe players and whether they can mould into what he wants - and maybe there's something that he's missing, or at least a back-up,' Thompson added. 'It's always so difficult.'
Socceroos Training Squad
Patrick Beach (GK), Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Jordan Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Cameron Devlin, Joe Gauci (GK), Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Jackson Irvine, Jacob Italiano, Paul Izzo (GK), Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Connor Metcalfe, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O'Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan (GK), Harry Souttar, Mohamed Toure, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi.
