Cristian Volpato has played just 74 minutes of soccer for Australia, but against the United States he showed exactly why the Socceroos were so keen to recruit him.
The 22-year old showed the class and composure some of his teammates had struggled to find in a firey game in which the USA side relentlessly closed down Australia’s players.
With just 45 minutes in a warm-up game against Switzerland under his belt, Tony Popovic opted to wait until the US players were tiring before injecting the winger into the game.
He immediately played a lovely ball into space for Nestory Irankunda, and then laid off the pass for Connor Metcalfe’s effort.
Volpato says he wishes he switched allegiances sooner following his positive inclusion in the squad. (Ezra Shaw – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Volpato should have scored himself as well.
And in his 29 minutes, he managed more dribbles than any of his teammates.
All-in-all, on a disappointing day for the Socceroos, they may have found another star.
“I’m a player that loves to take the risk,” Volpato said.
“I think in football you have to take a risk to get the reward.”
I would have done it sooner
Volpato’s decision to switch his allegiance from Italy to Australia came at the last second, and he was parachuted into the Socceroos pre-World Cup camp days before the squad was announced.
The move was met with some ire by supporters, and Volpato himself said he wishes he had made the decision sooner.
Volapto says he struggled to keep his emotions in check during the national anthem. (Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“Even in the first game [against Türkiye], when we were singing the national anthem, I was getting goosebumps,” he said.
“Just walking out today, I was tearing up. It was amazing. If I knew about this, I would have come a long time ago.
“Seeing all my family, my friends there in the stands, it made me tear up and made me want to give everything for them.
“Today was a special day to make my debut, and I hope there are many more to come.”
The Italian Connection
Volpato isn’t the only player in the Socceroos squad to have strong Italian roots.
Alessandro Circati also came through the Italian youth system, representing the Azzurri at under-19, -20, and -21 level before he committed to Australia.
“We actually met in the Italian team,” Volpato said.
“Two Aussies in the Italian team was amazing. We’ve always been in contact.
Alessandro Circati and Cristian Volpato came through the Italian youth system together. (Getty Images: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu)
“He’s always been in Italy, and he’s a really good guy. He’s always helped me.
“He’s helped me settle in here, and he’s a wonderful player, outstanding player.”
dan