Volpato Switches Allegiance to Australia
Former Italy under-21 international Cristian Volpato has officially changed his international allegiance to Australia prior to the Socceroos' squad announcement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for 1 June.
The 22-year-old midfielder, born and raised in Sydney, holds dual citizenship after relocating to Italy in 2020 to join Roma's youth academy. In 2023, he transferred to Serie A club Sassuolo and has represented Italy at youth levels.
Since Volpato has only played for Italy at youth level, he qualifies under one of five FIFA eligibility criteria that allow a player to switch national teams.
He has been included in Australia's preliminary squad and will participate in a training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the final 26-man squad announcement by manager Tony Popovic on Monday.
FIFA ratified Volpato's decision to switch allegiance on Friday.
Volpato's Previous Decisions and Context
Volpato declined the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, citing his desire to concentrate on his club career in Italy and avoid making a "rushed decision" that could "risk being extremely premature."
"I was happy to wait for Italy," Volpato said after Popovic approached him earlier this year.
Following Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup in March, manager Gennaro Gattuso and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina resigned from their positions. Both roles remain unfilled.
Recent Developments and Upcoming Fixtures
Earlier this week, Australia’s midfielder Riley McGree, who plays for Middlesbrough, was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Championship play-off final.
Australia will commence their World Cup campaign against Turkey on Sunday, 14 June at 05:00 BST, followed by matches against the United States and Paraguay.
