Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Cristian Volpato says fear and comfort delayed his decision to represent Australia, but the chance to play at a World Cup ultimately convinced him to commit to the Socceroos. The 22 year old Sassuolo attacker is now preparing for his expected Australia debut against Switzerland in San Diego after officially switching allegiance from Italy following years of uncertainty.
Volpato previously represented Italy at youth level and had resisted earlier approaches from Australia.
Now, he says the decision finally felt right.
Volpato says World Cup opportunity changed everything
The attacker admitted his thinking evolved over time.
“Obviously, playing in a World Cup for your nation is something unreal,” Volpato said.
“Playing for Italy also was good and amazing.”
Volpato explained that age and uncertainty played a major role when Australia initially approached him.
“But maybe when I was 18, maybe I was a bit too young, and maybe I was a bit too scared to make the change straight away, so maybe I was in my comfort zone a bit, playing for Italy.”
Eventually, he said the feeling became impossible to ignore.
“Something, I don’t know, in my heart just said, I think it’s time to come home.”
The decision marks a significant reversal.
As an 18 year old at Roma, Volpato declined Graham Arnold’s invitation to join Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Earlier this year he also indicated he still hoped for a senior call up from Italy.
Balancing dual identity proved difficult
Volpato described the decision as emotionally complicated because of his connection to both countries.
“I’m Italian and I’m Australian, so it’s actually been a big decision that’s always been in my head 24 7 for quite a while,” he said.
“It’s really hard because it’s like people want you to choose something, one or the other.”
He said many Australians understand the challenge of balancing multiple cultural identities.
“A lot of Australians were brought up being both. Being something else and Australian.”
Despite the difficulty, Volpato said joining camp immediately felt natural.
“I do feel Australian, so it felt really good coming in, being brought in by the boys, and speaking English. Aussie.”
Popovic and teammates played important role
Coach Tony Popovic spent significant time speaking with Volpato before the final decision.
Popovic had previously insisted he would not pressure the player or repeatedly push for a commitment.
Friend and fellow Socceroo Alessandro Circati also became involved.
Sassuolo and Parma met on the final day of the Serie A season, giving Circati one final chance to convince him.
“He was trying to convince me, and I was like, alright, I’m gonna come, I’m gonna come,” Volpato said.
Popovic confirmed Volpato is available to play against Switzerland after missing the Mexico friendly because he arrived late to camp.
The coach expects him to receive playing time.
Australia preparing for World Cup challenge
Saturday’s match against Switzerland serves as Australia’s final friendly before the World Cup.
The scheduling intentionally mirrors conditions Australia expects during its second group stage match against the United States.
“A good dress rehearsal, good last hit out for players to get minutes in before the big dance in front of us,” Popovic said.
Volpato believes Australia can surprise critics during the tournament.
“Obviously people are writing us off a lot because we’re Australia, but I believe in the group,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a really good team, so hopefully we can shock a lot of people.”
Striker Tete Yengi could also make his debut against Switzerland as Australia finalises preparations before opening against Turkey.