Australia file paperwork for Serie A star to feature at the World Cup after last-minute allegiance switch
Cristian Volpato has switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia on the eve of the World Cup.
The Sassuolo forward could now feature for the Socceroos this summer after paperwork was filed for his national team change.
Volpato previously represented Italy at youth level, having been eligible for the four-time World Cup winners through his parents.
However, he has now opted to play for the country of his birth despite turning down a call-up for the 2022 World Cup.
Football Australia confirmed on Friday that Volpato has been added to their ‘train-on’ squad for the tournament.
The 22-year-old will now join their training camp in Los Angeles ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Mexico.
Volpato could make his debut in the match ahead of another warm-up clash against Switzerland on June 6.
Socceroos boss Tony Popovic is set to name his final 26-man squad for the World Cup on Monday.
Australia statement
In a statement, Football Australia explained: “Football Australia has lodged all requisite paperwork to FIFA and is now awaiting a Change of Association Clearance from the world governing body to ratify Volpato’s decision to switch allegiance to Australia after representing Italy at youth level.”
They added: “Football Australia has received a release letter from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“Once cleared, Volpato will be eligible to officially represent the CommBank Socceroos.”
Australia will begin their World Cup campaign against Turkey on Saturday, June 13.
Australia's 2026 World Cup 'train-on' squad
30-man squad named so far, final squad to be announced on June 1
- Patrick Beach
- Aziz Behich
- Brandon Borello
- Jordan Bos
- Martin Boyle
- Cameron Burgess
- Alessandro Circati
- Milos Degenek
- Cameron Devlin
- Joe Gauci
- Jason Geria
- Lucas Herrington
- Ajdin Hrustic
- Nestory Irankunda
- Jackson Irvine
- Jacob Italiano
- Paul Izzo
- Mathew Leckie
- Awer Mabil
- Connor Metcalfe
- Paul Okon-Engstler
- Aiden O’Neill
- Kye Rowles
- Mat Ryan
- Harry Souttar
- Mohamed Toure
- Kai Trewin
- Nishan Velupillay
- Cristian Volpato
- Tete Yengi
Popovic’s side are also set to face co-hosts USA and Paraguay in group D.
This summer’s tournament represents their seventh World Cup appearance and a sixth finals in a row.
The Socceroos matched their best performance in Qatar four years ago by reaching the knockout stages.
However, they were knocked out by eventual winners Argentina in the round of 16.
Who is Cristian Volpato?
The New South Wales-born forward began his career in the academy of A League side Western Sydney Wanderers.
Volpato moved to Italian giants Roma aged 16, though, before joining current side Sassuolo in 2023.
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This season saw him score twice and add four assists in 24 Serie A appearances for the club.
His international allegiance switch comes four years after he turned down the chance to be named in Australia’s last World Cup squad.
Then manager Graham Arnold revealed he had attempted to call Volpato up for the tournament.
Volpato has previously been capped by Italy, who have failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, up to Under-21 level.
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