Socceroos coaches reportedly spotted at Serie A match in pitch to dual-nationality star

The Socceroos brains trust appear to be making a final pitch to Cristian Volpato to play for Australia at the World Cup after reports coach Tony Popovic and assistant Paul Okon were spotted at a Sassuolo match.

Italian outlet TuttoMercato reported on Sunday that both men were in the stands for Sassuolo's 3-0 win over Hellas Verona, although Volpato did not come off the bench.

"The two special guests were in Reggio Emilia to try to convince the player to join the Socceroos," the reports, translated to English, reads.

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"... The player said he was flattered by the advances and will have to make a final decision in the coming weeks. The idea of ​​participating personally in the next World Cup in the United States appeals to him, but at the same time, he also enjoys the respect of (Italy head coach) Gennaro Gattuso, who may decide to keep him in mind ... in the post-World Cup cycle."

The reported presence of Popovic may signal a desire for more attacking threats in the Socceroos squad.

Popovic has previously stated he has no desire to "sell the Socceroos jersey" to players.

"There is no sales pitch. If a player makes himself available and available for selection and if he's chosen, that should be enough for every player," he said.

Since Popovic has taken over as Socceroos coach, Massimo Luongo made a short return from international retirement in 2024 while prodigious talent Alex Robertson, who mysteriously wasn't being picked for the Socceroos also returned last year. Robertson is eligible for Scotland, Peru and England.

Camperdown-born Volpato has played 14 league matches this season while dealing with injuries at times.

At this stage, the 22-year-old is still an Italy eligibile player having previously turned down offers to play for the Socceroos.

Volpato told football360.com.au earlier in the season that he had been in contact with the Socceroos but his dream has always been to play for Italy.

"Growing up with the 2006 (World Cup win), I had all the players on my wall. Obviously my dad, my nono, they were all just mad crazy about the Azzurri," he said.

"And obviously them being my idols, you grow up and you follow your dad or your nono, so it's always been my dream.

"But with the Socceroos, I'm happy and thankful for the calls they've given to me.

"But I can't say whether I'd want to choose one or the other right now."

Volpato added the allure of the Socceroos has "always been tempting" and the fact Italy is yet to qualify for the World Cup only adds to that. Italy's men's side hasn't been in the World Cup since 2014, despite winning in 2006. The Azzurri face Northern Ireland next in qualifiers and will need to win to play in a final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sassuolo is currently eighth on the Serie A ladder having been promoted this season. The club is coached by Fabio Grosso, who was famously fouled in the box by Lucas Neill in the 2006 round of 16 World Cup match. Popovic was on the bench for that match.