Australia announced its squad for the World Cup, and the most interesting name in Tony Popovic’s team is Cristian Volpato. The Sassuolo player waited a long time for a chance in the Italian national team, but before the World Cup he chose the Socceroos and can immediately play an important role.

Cristian Volpato chose to represent Australia

Tony Popovic presented the list of players called up to represent Australia at the World Cup. Among the chosen ones was Cristian Volpato, who had previously been associated with Italian football and was counting on the opportunity to play for Italy. Ultimately, the Sassuolo attacking player decided to accept the Socceroos’ invitation.

Volpato was encouraged to take such a step before the previous World Cup in Qatar. However, he then decided that after playing in the Italian youth national teams, he could wait to be called up to the senior team. This did not happen, and the 22-year-old changed his decision at a time when Australia is preparing for the tournament with real hopes of advancing.

Does Australia have a chance to reach the knockout stage?

The Socceroos are not listed among the favorites of the World Cup, but they are in a group in which they can fight to get to the next round. Their rivals will be Paraguay, Türkiye and the United States. It’s a demanding set, but not one that prevents Australia from reaching the knockout stage.

That’s why Volpato’s presence could make a difference. In the last Serie A season, he scored two goals and provided four assists in 24 matches. For Australia, he is a player who can add creativity, better play between the lines and more freedom in attack.

The most important names in the Australian squad

There is no shortage of players in the Australian national team with experience in European leagues. Mathew Ryan from Levante was in goal, and in defense Harry Souttar from Leicester City, Alessandro Circati from Parma, Jordan Bos from Feyenoord and Cameron Burgess from Swansea City were the most noteworthy.

In midfield, Popovic can count on, among others, Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe from FC St. Paula, Ajdin Hrustic from Heracles Almelo and Aiden O’Neill from New York City. In addition to Volpato, the attack included Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Touré.

Australia’s squad for the World Cup

Goalkeepers:

• Mathew Ryan z Levante
• Paul Izzo z Randers
• Patrick Beach z Melbourne City

Defenders:

• Aziz Behich z Melbourne City
• Miloš Degenek from APOEL
• Harry Souttar z Leicester City
• Jordan Bos from Feyenoord
• Cameron Burgess ze Swansea City
• Jason Geria z Albirex Niigata
• Alessandro Circati from Parmy
• Kai Trewin z New York City
• Jacob Italiano from Grazer AK
• Lucas Herrington z Colorado Rapids

Helpers:

• Jackson Irvine from FC St. Pauli
• Ajdin Hrustic z Heracles Almelo
• Connor Metcalfe z FC St. Pauli
• Aiden O’Neill z New York City
• Paul Okon-Engstler of Sydney FC
• Cammy Devlin z Hearts

Attackers:

• Mathew Leckie z Melbourne City
• Awer Mabil z Castellon
• Watford’s favorite Nestory
• Mohamed Touré from Norwich City
• Nishan Velupillay z Melbourne Victory
• Cristian Volpato vs Sassuolo
• Aunt Yengi z Machida Zelvia