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Italian international switches allegiance to play at World Cup for other nation
- A player who hoped to represent Italy at the 2026 World Cup has switched allegiance to play for another nation.
- Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the UEFA play-off.
- The World Cup 2026 in North America will feature 48 teams for the first time.
- Cristian Volpato, 22, may still feature for the Socceroos in Australia’s preliminary squad.
- Volpato was born in Sydney and holds dual citizenship, allowing him to represent Italy or Australia.
- Volpato has seven goals and 11 assists in 72 appearances for Roma's Sassuolo stint.
- Australia will face Paraguay, the USA and Türkiye in Group D at the World Cup.
- FIFA rules allow players with dual nationality to switch if they have not recently played for the country they're leaving.
- The article notes other players like Jack Grealish and Declan Rice as examples of switches.
- The report mentions Tony Popovic and Australia’s final squad announcement due on June 1.
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