The tug of war over Cristian Volpato's international allegiance is still alive with the Serie A winger refusing to commit to Italy or Australia.
The 22-year-old Sassuolo star is yet to play for the Azzurri or Socceroos at senior level - with his options open ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Many thought Volpato closed the door on Australian selection after rejecting a squad position for his birth nation at the 2022 World Cup, while also representing Italy at youth level.
But despite talented attacker revealing it's his 'dream' to play for Italy, the Socceroos remain a possibility to snare Volpato's services in the future.
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“Ever since I was a young kid, my dream was always to play for the Azzurri,” Volpato said in an exclusive interview with Football 360.
“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.
“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 waiting for Italy, but Socceroos a good chance - AllSportsPeople opinion
It's likely Volpato is waiting to see if a call up to the Italian national team is possible during his career before making a decision on Australia.
If it becomes clear that he will not play for Italy, then the Socceroos will likely be chosen as his national team.
You can't blame Volpato for playing the situation in this way considering the benefits that he would receive in playing for the Azzurri.
The status and prestige of playing for Italy is high, leading to making himself more marketable, while there would be considerably less travel for international games while he is playing in Europe.
At this current point in time, Volpato's performances for Sassuolo are not putting him close to Italy selection.
He is still not guaranteed first choice for his Serie A club, but has a respectable one goal and four assists in 10 top division matches this season.
Volpato has several wingers ahead of him in the Italian squad, including Riccardo Orsolini, Mattia Zaccagni, Federico Chiesa and Matteo Politano, while there are also few younger options considered more advanced.
If he wanted to get selected in a possible Italy World Cup squad, he would likely need to earn his debut during the March 2026 international window when the Azzuri have their playoffs to reach USA, Mexico and Canada.
As for Socceroos selection, you would expect Tony Popovic could select Volpato at any time he makes himself available - especially with a dearth of attacking options currently for the Australian national team.
Volpato needs to elevate himself to a much higher level to put himself in the frame for Italy selection, which makes the Socceroos a real chance to secure his services down the line.