Cristian Volpato named in Australia’s World Cup squad four years after Qatar snub | OneFootball

Cristian Volpato has been named in Australia’s 26-man World Cup squad for 11 June to 19 July, four years after he refused to go to Qatar in 2022. According to L'Équipe, the squad was announced on Sunday night.

Born in Australia, he had declined overtures from then coach Graham Arnold to represent the Socceroos at that tournament. He has now accepted selection after being convinced by Arnold’s successor, Tony Popovic.

Volpato, 22, played his youth football for Italy. His Serie A minutes and output with Sassuolo, 24 appearances mainly off the bench yielding 2 goals and 4 assists, appeared to leave him some way from a senior Italy call-up despite their recent struggles and absence from the last World Cup.

In the squad he will join captain Mathew Ryan, the former Lens goalkeeper.

Australia are in Group D and will face Türkiye on 14 June at 06:00, the USA on 19 June at 21:00, and Paraguay on 26 June at 04:00.

Source: L'Équipe