Sassuolo midfielder Cristian Volpato is expected to join the Australia national team Saturday in Los Angeles. Photo by Enrico Mattia Del Punta/EPA
May 29 (UPI) -- Midfielder Cristian Volpato switched soccer allegiance from Italy to Australia for the 2026 World Cup, Football Australia announced Friday.
The Sydney native played junior soccer in the city before moving to Italy. He played for Italy's under-19 and under-20 national teams. His switch from Italy to Australia was noted Friday on FIFA's change of association platform.
The 22-year-old, who plays for Sassuolo of Italy's Serie A, posted photos of himself in Sydney on Friday on Instagram. Volpato is expected to land Saturday in Los Angeles, the same day the Socceroos will face No. 15 Mexico in a friendly. He was added to the Socceroos' 30-man training squad.
The Australians, who sit at No. 27 in the FIFA world rankings, will face No. 19 Switzerland in another friendly June 6. The Socceroos' 26-man roster for the World Cup must be submitted by Monday.
