Socceroos boss Tony Popovic and his assistant coach Paul Okon are in Italy in an attempt to get Cristian Volpato to play for Australia at the upcoming World Cup, according to reports.
Italian outlet TuttoMercato report that the pair were in the stands at Maipei Stadium on Friday night (local time) to watch Sassuolo’s 3-0 win over Hellas Verona.
Volpato was an unused substitute in the match, with “the two special guests” there to “convince the player to join the Socceroos”.
Born and raised in Sydney, the 22-year-old turned down a chance to play at the 2022 World Cup after an approach from then head coach Graham Arnold – and it looks like he has another big call to make ahead of this year’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“The player said he was flattered by the advances and will have to make a final decision in the coming weeks,” the report suggests.
Cristian Volpato Exclusive Interview
“The idea of participating personally in the next World Cup in the United States appeals to him, but at the same time, he enjoys the respect of Gennaro Gattuso, who may decide to keep him in mind… in the post-World Cup cycle.”
In a recent interview with football360.com.au, Volpato revealed he had been in contact with the Socceroos and kept his options open.
“Ever since I was a young kid, my dream was always to play for the Azzurri,” he said.
“Growing up with the 2006 (World Cup win), I had all the players on my wall. Obviously my dad, my nono, they were all just mad crazy about the Azzurri.
“And obviously them being my idols, you grow up and you follow your dad or your nono, so it’s always been my dream.
“But with the Socceroos, I’m happy and thankful for the calls they’ve given to me.
“But I can’t say whether I’d want to choose one or the other right now.
“So I’m just focusing on my club football and where God leads me is kind of like, you go.”
He added: “It’s always been tempting, ever since Graham Arnold called me.
“It’s always been tempting. It’s always been on the back of my mind throughout every day.
“But I don’t know. We just have to see.”
If he picks Australia, Volpato can guarantee himself a chance to play at a World Cup, with the Socceroos qualifying for a sixth straight tournament and already preparing for a group featuring hosts USA, Paraguay and a still to be decided Europan qualifier.
Meanwhile, Italy are yet to qualify for the showpiece tournament – and haven’t been on football’s biggest stage since 2014 – with play-offs coming up at the end of March. The face Northern Ireland for the right to play one of Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot at the tournament, where the qualifier will face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.
The forward would undoubtedly add quality to the Socceroos’ attack if he commits to pulling on the green and gold.
He has played 14 times in Serie A this season for Sassuolo, contributing one goal and four assists for the team who currently sit eighth on the ladder.
Popovic’s attempts to convince Volpato suggest places are still very much open in Australia’s final squad for the World Cup.