Breaking: Socceroos boosted as young midfielder switches allegiance from Italy
Cristian Volpato has switched his allegiance from Italy to Australia just before the 2026 World Cup. The young midfielder had previously declined to play for the Socceroos, opting instead to represent Italy at various youth levels. Football Australia is currently awaiting FIFA's clearance for his eligibility to play for the national team.
- ▪Cristian Volpato has switched allegiance from Italy to Australia on the eve of the 2026 World Cup.
- ▪He had previously represented Italy at the under-19, -20, and -21 levels but never received a full call-up.
- ▪Football Australia has lodged the necessary paperwork with FIFA and is awaiting clearance.
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristian Volpato switches allegiance to Socceroos from ItalyTBy Tom WildieTopic:FIFA World CupFri 29 May 2026 at 5:42pmFri 29 May 2026 at 5:42pmFri 29 May 2026 at 5:42pmCristian Volpato has switched allegiance from Italy to Australia on the eve of the 2026 World Cup. (Getty Images: Luca Amedeo Bizzarri)abc.net.au/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-socceroos-land-striker-in-shock-switch/106739466Link copiedShareShare articleSocceroos coach Tony Popovic has been handed a boost just days out from naming his 2026 World Cup squad, with Cristian Volpato switching his allegiance from Italy to Australia.Volpato turned his back on Australia four years ago, declining the opportunity to play for the Socceroos at the Qatar World Cup, citing his desire to play for Italy.He had represented…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).