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Cristian Volpato once represented Italy at the youth level, but he has now decided to switch allegiance and play for the Australian national team at the 2026 World Cup.

One figure is believed to have played a major role in influencing Jay Idzes' Sassuolo teammate, Cristian Volpato, to change his nationality to Australia.

Volpato’s decision has become one of the surprises leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

The 22-year-old midfielder has officially chosen to represent the Australian national team, despite previously featuring for Italy’s youth squads.

Born to Italian parents, Volpato naturally holds dual citizenship, making him eligible to play for both Italy and Australia.

He was born in New South Wales and began his football education at West Sydney before being recruited by AS Roma during the winter transfer window of 2020.

At the youth level, the trequartista represented Italy in the U-19, U-20, and U-21 categories.

Since 2021, Australia had been trying to bring him into their senior national team setup. Head coach Graham Arnold reportedly wanted to call him up for the 2022 World Cup, but Volpato declined the opportunity at that time.

Now, the situation has changed dramatically. Volpato is included in Arnold’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. This confirms his decision to officially represent Australia at the senior level instead of Italy.

Explaining his decision, Volpato revealed that Parma defender Alessandro Circati played a key role in convincing him to make the switch.

The two first met years ago when Volpato was still with AS Roma’s youth team. Their connection grew stronger from that point, especially as both share Italian heritage but with Australian links.

Interestingly, Circati himself also has Italian roots but chose to represent the Socceroos. “Circati and I first met during a Roma U-18 match against Parma U-18. Before the match started, I noticed a guy who looked Australian,” Volpato told TMW.

“I didn’t know there were other Australians in Italy. He scored against us, and that’s when I realised he was Australian,” he continued.

“Later, we met again in Italy’s U-20 national team. It was nice to have another Australian in the same room—it felt good to connect with someone from my own country.”

“We’ve stayed in contact ever since and still talk regularly. He’s a great person and a solid defender, and he’s proved that here too, like in our last match between Parma and Sassuolo.”

The Australian national team squad was recently photographed together at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (10 September 2024).

“He kept encouraging me to join the national team, and I said, ‘Okay, I’ll come,’” Volpato added with a smile. “It’s been really enjoyable,” he concluded.

Cristian Volpato is now expected to become one of Australia’s key players at the 2026 World Cup. Wearing the number 20 shirt, he is set to make his debut for the Socceroos in a friendly match against Switzerland on Sunday (7 June 2026) at 2:00 AM WIB.