Socceroos have left a sweltering Florida for apparently slightly cooler LA. They play Mexico at the Rose Bowl tomorrow.
Switzerland is their other warmup.
In big news 22 yr old Cristian Volpato has suddenly turned up in the US this week and declared for Australia! There has been a big of war between Italy & Aussie for Volpato's allegiances the last few years. He could debut against the Mexicans tomorrow.
He plays for Sassuolo in Serie A. Born & raised in Sydney he left for Italy as a 16 yr old. Some in the Aus football community ain't that happy he has suddenly discovered he's an Aussie this close to the WC, after previously talking about playing for Italy. He was an Italian age group international.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/socceroos-coach-declares-cristian-volpato-no-risk-for-fifa-world-cup-after-allegiance-switch/news-story/60656d9ecc879e16ce0457fe710fa198
From Wiki
In March 2022, following Australia's 2–0 loss to Japan, Volpato posted an image on his Snapchat story poking fun at the team. This led to many fans labeling him as "childish" and "immature". With Australia announcing their Qatar World Cup squad on 8 November 2022, Graham Arnold disclosed that Volpato had been offered a spot in the 26-man squad, but declined the opportunity.
Switzerland is their other warmup.
In big news 22 yr old Cristian Volpato has suddenly turned up in the US this week and declared for Australia! There has been a big of war between Italy & Aussie for Volpato's allegiances the last few years. He could debut against the Mexicans tomorrow.
He plays for Sassuolo in Serie A. Born & raised in Sydney he left for Italy as a 16 yr old. Some in the Aus football community ain't that happy he has suddenly discovered he's an Aussie this close to the WC, after previously talking about playing for Italy. He was an Italian age group international.
https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/socceroos-coach-declares-cristian-volpato-no-risk-for-fifa-world-cup-after-allegiance-switch/news-story/60656d9ecc879e16ce0457fe710fa198
From Wiki
In March 2022, following Australia's 2–0 loss to Japan, Volpato posted an image on his Snapchat story poking fun at the team. This led to many fans labeling him as "childish" and "immature". With Australia announcing their Qatar World Cup squad on 8 November 2022, Graham Arnold disclosed that Volpato had been offered a spot in the 26-man squad, but declined the opportunity.