Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Cristian Volpato Socceroos momentum grew after the Sassuolo winger impressed off the bench in Australia’s 2-0 loss to the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
The 22-year-old, who switched from Italy to Australia shortly before the squad was named, entered when Mathew Leckie hobbled off around the hour mark. His lively cameo mattered because Australia must now respond against Paraguay on June 25 to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
For more on Australia’s World Cup setback, read Socceroos exposed in 2-0 USA defeat as World Cup reality check arrives, while official tournament details are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
Volpato Makes Instant Impact
Volpato quickly gave Australia a direct attacking threat, using close control to run at United States defenders and create shooting chances.
“He was a bright spark when he came on — and we needed that,” skipper Harry Souttar said.
“I thought I could have scored there, but that’s what I try to do. I try to help the team, lift the spirits,” Volpato said.
He said Tony Popovic’s message was simple: “If you get the ball, just do your thing when you’re in the box’ — and I tried to do that.”
Debut Carries Emotion
Volpato previously rejected Graham Arnold’s approach before the 2022 FIFA World Cup and had been waiting for an Italy senior call-up as recently as March.
His feelings have shifted after joining the Socceroos setup.
“In the first game, when we were singing the national anthem, I was getting goosebumps,’ Volpato said.
“Like even just walking out today, I was tearing up. It was amazing.
“If I knew about this, I would have come a long time ago. So it was really good.
“I’m a hard believer in everything happens for a reason, and if I knew it was this good, I would have come earlier, like I said before.
“But like I said, everything happens for a reason and today was a special day to make my debut, and many more to come.”
Volpato said he would be ready if handed a start against Paraguay national football team.
“Yeah. I’m a player that loves to take the risk,” he said.
“I think in football you have to take the risk to get a reward.”