By Victor Kanayo
Australia and Roma player Cristian Volpato has rejected a World Cup call-up by his country with an intention to play for Italy.
The teenager is currently enjoying a break through season at the Serie A club under manager Jose Mourinho.
He has featured five times for the first-team, scoring one goal and it has led to Australia offering him a place in their 26-man squad heading to Qatar.
However he has shockingly rejected the opportunity as he holds out to one day be part of an Italy squad, according to TheSun.
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold discussed Volpato’s decision in a press conference admitting Australia were desperate to have him in their team.
Volpato is eligible for both Italy and Australia but clearly has a preference over where his allegiance lies.
The 18-year-old was born Down Under and moved to Italy just two years ago.
He has been capped by the Italian Under-19 and Under-20 sides but was then called up to the Aussies Under-23 team but had to forfeit his place in the squad by Roma.
Volpato then reportedly posted a video online mocking the Australian team and the attacking midfielder was labelled as ‘childish’ by fans.
Italy failed to qualify for this year’s tournament with Australia in Group D with France, Denmark and Tunisia.
