Cristian Volpato Joins Australian World Cup Squad After Nationality Shift | Sports-Games
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is one of two uncapped players in the 26-man squad after switching allegiance from Italy last week.
- Coach Tony Popovic named his 26-man FIFA World Cup squad on Monday, featuring uncapped Serie A winger Cristian Volpato in Australia's final selection for the tournament.
- After waiting four years for an Azzurri call-up, Volpato committed to the Socceroos, reversing his earlier decision to decline Australia's invitation and choosing to represent the nation instead of Italy.
- Seventeen players, including Volpato and Tete Yengi, will make their World Cup debuts, while veterans Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie prepare for their fourth tournament appearances each.
- Tough decisions forced Popovic to exclude Martin Boyle, Joe Gauci, Kye Rowles, and Brandon Borrello, with the coach acknowledging the difficulty of cutting players who contributed to Australia's direct qualification.
- Australia faces Group D opponents Turkey, the United States, and Paraguay, as Popovic insists his young squad is ready to make an immediate impact rather than waiting for future cycles.
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Cristian Volpato Joins Australian World Cup Squad After Nationality Shift | Sports-Games
Cristian Volpato has been named in Australia's World Cup squad shortly after switching allegiance from Italy. The 22-year-old was included in a 26-man roster announced by coach Tony Popovic. Volpato recently participated in a camp with the team but missed a warm-up game against Mexico.
Los Angeles Times
Cristian Volpato joined the Australian World Cup selection just a few days after confirming the change in national eligibility from Italy, and four years after refusing an invitation to join the Socceros before the 2022 tournament.
Henry Herald
Italy's Cristian Volpato switches eligibility, named to Australia's World Cup roster
Four years after declining an invitation to play for Australia, midfielder Cristian Volpato was named to the country's roster Sunday night for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cristian Volpato named in Australia’s World Cup squad after Italy switch
Cristian Volpato has been vaulted into Australia's World Cup squad just days after confirming a switch of national eligibility from Italy, and four years after he declined an invitation to join the Socceroos ahead of the 2022 tournament.
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