Cristian Volpato ‘Open’ to Playing for Australia – Green and Gold News Summary:

-       Cristian Volpato has indicated he is finally open to representing Australia after rejecting a 2022 World Cup berth

-        Head coach Tony Popovic and assistant Paul Okon recently visited the Sassuolo midfielder in Italy for discussions

-       The 22-year-old Sydney-born player could provide crucial depth amid mounting injury concerns for Australia's World Cup squad

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who famously turned down a spot in Graham Arnold's 2022 World Cup squad, has finally indicated his willingness to don the green and gold for Australia.

This development comes at a crucial time as Australia navigate significant injury concerns ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Popovic's Personal Touch Pays Dividends

Head coach Tony Popovic and assistant Paul Okon travelled to Italy last month to meet with Volpato, responding to overtures from the player's camp about potential international representation.

The visit wasn't about persuasion, according to Popovic, but rather a genuine discussion about mutual interest.

"Paolo's been in touch with him regularly, and on this occasion, he indicated that he'd be interested in a discussion about playing for Australia," Popovic explained. "We just wanted to see what he's thinking, where he's at the moment in terms of his football."

The Sydney-born midfielder's journey has been fascinating. After progressing through the academies of Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers, Volpato unexpectedly emerged at AS Roma, making his debut under Jose Mourinho while representing Italy at youth level.

His rejection of the 2022 World Cup opportunity had many believing he was holding out for senior Italy selection.

Injury Crisis Creates Opportunity

Volpato's newfound availability comes as injuries ravage Popovic's World Cup planning.

Key players including Lewis Miller (ruptured Achilles), Mohamed Toure (groin injury), and Harry Souttar (still recovering from Achilles surgery) are sidelined.

Most recently, Kusini Yengi faces two to three months out with a quad injury, while Jackson Irvine is managing a concerning foot injury.

Despite limited game time at Sassuolo this season - just 12 minutes in 2026 - Volpato's technical ability and versatility make him an attractive option for Australia's World Cup campaign.

Creative Solutions Required

With attacking options depleted, Popovic may need to experiment with his squad selection for upcoming FIFA Series friendlies against Cameroon and Curacao.

The coach has hinted at potentially using wide players in central striking roles or even considering Ante Suto, a 25-year-old Croatian striker with an Australian passport who plays for Hibernian.

"He's a quality young player that has a lot of potential," Popovic said of Volpato. "Now that he's indicated he's open to the idea, the rest is just for him to decide."

The timing of Volpato's interest couldn't be better for Australian football. As Aus prepare for their World Cup campaign, securing a player of his calibre - regardless of recent playing time - represents a significant boost to squad depth and quality.

Whether Volpato features in the upcoming March internationals remains uncertain, but his openness to representing Australia marks a potential turning point in his international career and a welcome development for Australia's' World Cup ambitions.