Some of Australia’s most prominent footballing voices are split on whether the Socceroos should go chasing Cristian Volpato ahead of this year’s World Cup.
National team boss Tony Popovic and his assistant Paul Okon were spotted in Italy last week, watching from the stands as Volpato’s Sassuolo claimed a 3-0 win over Hellas Verona.
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The Sydney born and raised winger was an unused substitute in that Serie A clash, and it was reported in the Italian media that conversations would be had between the 22-year-old and the Socceroos hierarchy.
Volpato could have already played in a World Cup, if he had committed to Graham Arnold’s squad four years ago.
The then-teenager declined the chance to go to Qatar, however, citing his desire to play for the Azzurri instead due to his Italian heritage.
Volpato has never represented Italy in a senior international, but did so at U19, U20 and U21 level.
But his stocks have also diminished during the current World Cup cycle.
In 2022, he played for AS Roma in the Serie A and the Europa League but he was sold to Sassuolo the following year for €7.5 million (A$12.4m).
Many in Australian football have felt the sting by Volpato’s rejections so far, and are reluctant to allow the winger to come crawling back.
Particularly after a few years without dominant displays, having scored once and providing four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Since the start of the new year, Volpato has only played 12 minutes due to injury and selection.
“Four years ago when this discussion happened around Volpato, it was ‘just call him up to lock him in’. He was going to add something to the squad no doubt,” football commentator Daniel Garb said on the Football 360 podcast.
“But it was like we can carry him but make him an Australian, play him at the World Cup and he’s tied to us. (They) gave him the chance. I mean obviously we weren’t just forcing him, you’re going to a World Cup! But he said no.
“You’ve got to earn it to a point as well. He doesn’t have that same clout Volpato now. He’s got to earn it.
“Mate, you had your chance, you said no. You’re not necessarily demanding selection anymore. Antonio Arena is demanding it more than Volpato at the moment!”
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Arena might be following in Volpato’s footsteps.
The 16-year-old scored with his first touch in his professional debut for Roma last month.
He also hails from Sydney, but due to his Italian heritage, represented Italy in last year’s U17 World Cup – Australia did not qualify.
Former Australia and Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich believes the national team should not be turning its back on anyone who qualifies as an Australian.
“If he’s good enough, of course they should,” Bosnich said on SEN when talking about Volpato.
“Obviously he must be good if we’re talking about him.
“Why not? Why not try? It’s okay. There’s not a problem.
“I do recall Tony Popovic in a press conference saying ‘if we have to sell the jersey, we’ve got a problem’.
“I understand where he’s coming from but you can always keep your options open.”
“You can’t be too proud,” co-host Adam Peacock replied.
“Exactly,” Bosnich responded.
“Some people will say selfish, whatever, they have their own reasons.
“We as a nation, and we’re not the only nation – Italy itself at the moment is having problems with their young talent in comparison to their past, they’ve won four World Cups – but we as a nation as well, in my opinion, cannot afford to lose out on good players that could parade themselves and help Australia further themselves along in world football.”
It remains to be seen what will come of the discussions between Volpato and Popovic.
Garb believes if the carrot is being dangled in front of him, then the answer is obvious.
But Garb holds doubts as Australia have the likes of wingers Nestory Irankunda, Martin Boyle, Zac Sapsford and Adrian Segecic performing solidly across the Championship and the Scottish Premiership.
“I think if he was called right now, he would commit to playing for Australia,” Garb said.
“Whether he is up to the quality… we haven’t seen enough of him.”
Earlier in the season, Volpato revealed that he had been in contact with the Socceroos in recent times.
He restated to football360.com.au that he has always dreamt of playing for Italy.
“Growing up with the 2006 (World Cup win), I had all the players on my wall. Obviously my dad, my nono, they were all just mad crazy about the Azzurri,” he said.
“And obviously them being my idols, you grow up and you follow your dad or your nono, so it’s always been my dream.
“But with the Socceroos, I’m happy and thankful for the calls they’ve given to me.
“But I can’t say whether I’d want to choose one or the other right now.”