Volpato makes bombshell switch to the Socceroos days before World Cup

“There were no ultimatums or any pressure. It was a discussion,” Popovic said at the time. “And if he wants to play for Australia, whether it’s [in] three months, six months, a year – they’re young men, you have to respect the decisions they have to make. “He’s a quality young player that has a lot of potential. He hasn’t played a lot of football … but he has potential, and now that he’s indicated he’s open to the idea, the rest is just for him to decide. We’ll see whether that happens or doesn’t.” The trip appeared to have been in vain.

A month later Volpato told reporters he was “waiting for Italy”.