The Times of India

Italian player switches international teams weeks before 2026 World Cup to play for another country

Cristian Volpato's international career has taken a dramatic turn just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After previously rejecting Australia to pursue his ambitions with Italy, the Sydney-born midfielder has officially switched allegiance to the Socceroos following Italy's failure to qualify. Now eligible for Tony Popovic's squad, Volpato could yet realise his World Cup dream on football's biggest stage.