Socceroos Still Pursuing Cristian Volpato Despite Italy Ambitions
Australia continues its pursuit of Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-classic winger currently playing for Sassuolo. In 2022, while at AS Roma, he received a call-up from Socceroos coach Graham Arnold for the World Cup in Qatar, but declined the invitation. Volpato’s preference at the time was to represent Italy, having already played for their Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 teams.
Popovic and Okon Scout Volpato in Serie A
Four years later, the interest from Australia persists. New national team coach Tony Popovic, along with assistant Paul Okon, recently attended a Serie A match between Sassuolo and Hellas Verona, specifically to observe Volpato. The dual purpose of their visit was to assess his current form and attempt to persuade him to join the Australian national team. Unfortunately for the Australian contingent, Volpato remained an unused substitute during the match.
Limited Playing Time at Sassuolo
Volpato’s path to regular playing time at Sassuolo is currently blocked. Despite a promising start to the season with one goal and four assists in 16 appearances, he has seen limited action recently. Since the beginning of 2026, he has played only 12 minutes due to injury and competition for a starting spot. The presence of Domenico Berardi, a key player for Sassuolo, further complicates Volpato’s opportunities.
The situation is compounded by the fact that even when Berardi has been unavailable due to injury, Volpato himself has been sidelined, with another player, Fadera, taking his place. Berardi’s strong form makes it difficult for the coach to remove him from the starting lineup, even in comfortable victories.
Weighing International Options
Accepting a call-up from Australia would offer Volpato the opportunity to participate in a major international competition, something that currently seems unlikely with Italy. The Italian national team’s qualification for major tournaments is not guaranteed, and even if they do qualify, Volpato’s chances of earning a spot in the squad are slim. This presents a compelling argument for Volpato to reconsider his international future.
Will Volpato Change His Mind?
Despite his previous decision, the possibility of a switch to the Socceroos remains open. His limited playing time at Sassuolo, coupled with the uncertain path to the Italian national team, may lead him to reconsider his options. Whether he will ultimately choose to represent Australia remains to be seen.
Did you know?
Graham Arnold first attempted to convince Volpato to join the Socceroos squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but the player declined the offer.
FAQ
Q: Why did Cristian Volpato initially reject the Socceroos?
A: He chose to pursue his international career with Italy, having represented them at the youth levels.
Q: What is Tony Popovic’s role in trying to recruit Volpato?
A: As the current coach of the Socceroos, Popovic is actively trying to convince Volpato to switch his allegiance to Australia.
Q: Is Volpato a regular starter for Sassuolo?
A: No, he has struggled to secure a consistent starting position due to competition from Domenico Berardi and recent injuries.
Q: What are Volpato’s statistics for Sassuolo this season?
A: He has made 14 appearances, totaling 635 minutes, with one goal and four assists.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on Volpato’s playing time at Sassuolo. Increased minutes could significantly boost his confidence and potentially influence his international decision.
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