Volpato says it was 'time to come home' after Australia debut

Cristian Volpato said he could feel in his heart it
was "time to come home" after the former Italy under-21 international
made his Australia debut on Saturday following his shock switch on the eve of
the World Cup.
The attacking midfielder was born and raised in Sydney
but has Italian heritage.
Although he played for Italy at youth level, he never
received a senior cap and so still qualified for Australia.
The 22-year-old switched allegiance to Australia in
late May which ruffled some feathers given he had turned down the chance to
play for the Socceroos at the last World Cup under Graham Arnold.
"When I was 18, maybe I was a bit too young, and
maybe I was a bit too scared to make the change straight away," he said of
snubbing Australia in 2022.
"Maybe I was in my comfort zone a bit, playing
for Italy.
"Something, I don't know, in my heart just said
'I think it's time to come home'."
It was a boost for Australia after injured
Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree was ruled out of the World Cup.
Volpato made his first appearance for Australia in the
pre-World Cup friendly 1-1 draw against Switzerland in San Diego on Saturday.
He is still acclimatising after his late arrival in
training camp and was substituted at half-time.
Volpato plays for Serie A side Sassuolo and said he
spent a long time talking with fellow Australian and Parma defender Alessandro
Circati about his decision.
"I'm Italian and I'm Australian, so it's actually
been a big decision that's always been on my head 24/7 for quite a while,"
Volpato said.
"Obviously, I do feel Australian, so it felt
really good coming in, being brought in by the boys, and speaking English --
Aussie."
















