- Australia has won the race for Cristian Volpato
- The Sydney-born star is eligible to play for Italy
- But reports say he is committed to the Socceroos
Australia’s long and sometimes frustrating search for Cristian Volpato has paid off with the youngster committing his international future to the Socceroos.
Graham Arnold has gone on the charm offensive to convince Volpato – who is eligible to play for Italy – to pledge his allegiance to Australia after making a blistering start to his career.
The former Western Sydney Wanderers talent broke through with Jose Mourinho’s Roma side last season and his performances convinced fellow Italian club Sassuolo to shell out $11.5 million for his services over the summer.
Although he has only made one appearance for the club so far, he is seen as the long-term replacement for Italy international and Euro 2020 winner Domineco Berardi.
Arnold tried to convince Volpato to join his squad for the 2022 World Cup, but the youngster was unwilling to commit to the Socceroos. In that attempt, the Australian boss was criticized by Mourinho for upsetting his player.
Graham Arnold has received a huge boost in his search for Cristian Volpato
The former Roma hotshot has reportedly committed his future to the Socceroos
The Sydney-born forward played for Italy at youth level
But FTBL reports that Arnold visited Italy three weeks ago to have conversations with the 19-year-old, with the pair building a strong bond during their conversation.
Speaking to SEN radio, Arnold hinted that ‘great news’ was on the way regarding Volpato, although it is unclear when he will make his Socceroos debut.
The Aussies have two World Cup qualifiers coming up in November after spending the current international break in London for matches against England and New Zealand.
Volpato can play on either flank, but also just behind the striker in the role of number 10.
Discussing the saga last November, Arnold said: “Cristian is a great guy,” he said. ‘It is an extremely difficult decision for the child and he has people around him who have given him advice.
‘He wants to make this big decision when there are two countries he can play for: Australia and Italy.
“He made that decision and he turned down our opportunity to play for Australia in the World Cup. It doesn’t mean he won’t do that in the future.’
Born in Sydney to Italian parents, Volpato has dual citizenship and has already represented the Azzurri at Under-20 level.
He was coached at Roma by Jose Mourinho, who protected his young player
Volpato moved to Sassuolo this summer and has a big future
With Italy failing to qualify for the World Cup, the Socceroos hoped to steal a march on the reigning European champions by selecting him in their squad for Qatar.
Players eligible to represent more than one country can switch allegiances as long as they do so before being called up by a senior national team.
The 19-year-old, a burgeoning talent, was released by Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers after growing up in the neighboring suburb of Camperdown.
The A-League teams’ loss was Roma’s gain as the Australian earned a trial with Roma’s academy after being spotted by the club’s scouts.
The Serie A giants tied him down on a three-year deal and Volpato made his senior debut under Jose Mourinho last season before impressing last term. He now plays for Sassuolo.