Cristian Volpato represents a significant shift for Australian football, embodying a reconciliation after two decades of disappointment. The winger made the decision to switch national teams to don the Socceroos jersey just before the World Cup, with his career significantly influenced by figures associated with one of Australia’s most painful football memories.
The Socceroos, known as the ‘golden generation’ and led by Mark Viduka, came agonizingly close to achieving a World Cup knockout round victory in 2006. Their hopes were dashed when Fabio Grosso won a penalty for Italy, which Francesco Totti converted, ultimately securing the title for the Italians.
Having watched that match “My ex-agent was Totti, who scored, and then my coach is the one who won the penalty so it’s a bit like … you know what I mean?” Volpato finds it “I spoke to Grosso, he just remembers he didn’t even know what he was doing, he felt a bit of contact, he went down,” how deeply connected he feels to one of Australia’s defining moments in football. “They got the pen, Totti, and he just shot as hard as he could, he said.” he expressed, reflecting on the coincidence.
Totti guided Volpato during his formative years in Italy, and at Sassuolo, he has been under the tutelage of Grosso, who recently accepted a position at Fiorentina. “They are also small details that can change a game,” Volpato recounted. “We have to use that in our game as well, because small details can make a big, big difference.”
In Australia, this decision was largely viewed as controversial. Still, as the Socceroos prepare for their upcoming match against Egypt on Friday (Saturday AEST) in Dallas, Volpato believes there are valuable lessons to be learned from that incident, especially two decades later. “Thank God, and I’m thankful to the people at the passport place who helped me get it quickly,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the nuances that can lead to victory.
During his first World Cup start against Paraguay, the 22-year-old showcased his potential, proving to be a threat on the right flank alongside teammate Jordy Bos.
His unexpected last-minute inclusion in the Socceroos World Cup roster almost didn’t occur. Volpato’s Australian passport had expired, necessitating a rushed trip back to Sydney just before the tournament began. “Something clicked and my heart said: ‘Just go, I think you belong there,’” he acknowledged.
Having previously represented Italy at the junior level, Volpato maintained regular communication with Australian coaching staff for several years. His pivotal decision to switch allegiance came after a match against Parma, where he encountered Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati. “I didn’t want to come being 50-50, if I wanted to come it’s because I wanted to come and I felt it was right.” he explained. “I got told from both of them that basically I’m not good enough to play,”
For Volpato, this transition signifies a return to his roots, as he was raised in Sydney but faced rejection from two local football academies at the age of 16. “I always wanted to go to Italy as a kid, so I think it [worked] out perfectly to be honest because then straight after, I just remember the car ride home with my dad. I was crying. And he just says: ‘Don’t worry, we’ll go to Italy now and we’ll try it.’” he recalled.
“Thank God I made the trial and my life changed from there,”
His mother sold her business to accompany him to Italy, where he succeeded in joining the academy of Serie A powerhouse Roma. “I feel like I have to give a lot as well to Italy because they gave me a second opportunity. From there, I also got picked for the Italian team first, so I mean, I just accepted it.” Volpato stated. “I’m human like everyone else, I’m addicted to my phone like 90% of the people as well in the world,”
Prior to his switch, Volpato faced online backlash from Socceroos supporters who felt he had abandoned his country of origin. “There’s going to be good things [said about you], there’s going to be bad things, but I feel like as a footballer, you’ve just got to be resilient, and sometimes you can use it as fuel as well.” he said. “I felt like it was right,”
Now embraced by Socceroos fans, he has become the subject of a new chant that hails him as “I felt like I can be myself, and I can show myself here more.” After receiving video clips of the fans singing from his family, he felt validated in his choice to represent Australia instead of Italy. “I felt like it was right,” he affirmed. “I felt like I can be myself, and I can show myself here more.”
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