Volpato called into Socceroos World Cup squad
Italy-based Cristian Volpatohas been added to the Australia train-on squad for the FIFA World Cup and will join the pre-camp in Los Angeles, United States.
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.
The attacker was born and raised in Sydney and played his junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney, before moving to Italy. He represented Italy at Under-19 and Under-20 level.
Football Australia has received a release letter from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Once cleared, Volpato will be eligible to officially represent the Socceroos.
The Socceroos' train-on squad includes: Patrick Beach, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, 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, and Tete Yengi.
The final World Cup squad of up to 26 players is due to be submitted to FIFA by 1 June.
The Socceroos face World Cup co-host Mexico at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on 30 May , before taking on Switzerland at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on 6 June.
Australia's World Cup campaign kicks off against Turkiye in Vancouver on 13 June. Drawn in Group D, the Socceroos will also face tournament co-host United States in Seattle on 19 June and Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara on 25 June.
