Cristian Volpato
SAS
Diagnosed with thigh injury
Volpato is nursing a moderate-grade flexor strain in his right leg, Sassuolo announced.
Analysis: Volpato will miss the next two matches and will try to return after the first international break, but he might need more time to recover, given the severity of the issue. He's been playing over Domenico Berardi, who had a slow start because of a pre-season injury. Benjamin Dominguez should also get some minutes in the role.
Bows out in first half versus Bologna
Volpato recorded one tackle (zero won) and two clearances in 38 minutes in Sunday's game against Bologna before exiting because of a muscular problem, Gianluca Di Marzio reported.
Analysis: Volpato only picked up stats in the back during his time on the pitch. Usual starter Domenico Berardi, who has been limited so far by an early ankle injury, came in to replace him and will take over the role going forward. Volpato is poised for exams before next Sunday's home game versus Juventus.
Scores opener
Volpato scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win against Torino. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 47th minute.
Analysis: Volpato would get Sassuolo on the scoreboard Saturday as they took home the win, netting the opener in the 32nd minute. This would go along with his one cross, three shots and three chances created. This is a good start for the attacker, as he recorded only two goals and four assists in 24 appearances (11 starts) last campaign.
Creates five chances in season opener
Volpato registered two shots (two on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-1 loss versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Volpato had a strong start to the season Sunday, creating a team-high five chances in the opener. He also managed two shots on target and three crosses, somehow not recording a goal contribution with all of that production. Volpato only made 11 starts last season so already appears to be primed for a larger role this season.
Active in playmaking role
Volpato registered two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Friday's 1-1 (5-3) penalty shootout loss to Egypt.
Analysis: Volpato was one of the bright spots for Australia in this loss due to his playmaking ability. The Sassuolo midfielder ends the World Cup with no goals or assists, but he had four shots, four chances created, 11 crosses and seven corners in three outings (two starts).
Attacking spark in first start
Volpato had one shot (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Paraguay.
Analysis: Volpato made his first start of the tournament and was lively during his time on the pitch before being substituted in the 58th minute. Alongside Jordan Bos on the right he formed a dangerous partnership and matched him with three chances created while also taking one shot, attempting five crosses and handling set pieces for his side. The duels were a struggle however as he won only three of 13 and completed three of seven dribbles before his night was cut short.
Misses chance off bench
Volpato generated one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Friday's 2-0 loss versus USA.
Analysis: Volpato came off the bench in the 61st minute for his World Cup debut and was immediately involved, firing his first touch over the bar from inside the box after Nestory Irankunda's cutback found him in space during Friday's 2-0 defeat to the United States. He continued to threaten down the right after that, whipping in a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded his teammates and forcing a stoppage-time chance with another shot that flew over. Australia move to Group D's third game against Paraguay with their fate still in their own hands despite Friday's defeat.
Switches allegiance to Australia
Volpato has switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia and joined the Socceroos' extended pre-World Cup squad, with coach Tony Popovic not ruling out the 22-year-old making his debut in Saturday's friendly against Mexico, according to Joey Lynch of ESPN Australia.
Analysis: Volpato was born and raised in Sydney but had represented Italy at youth level since 2022, previously turning down the chance to join coach Graham Arnold's squad at the 2022 World Cup and as recently as March said he was still waiting for a call from Italy. His switch was confirmed by FIFA on Friday, clearing the way for him to take up a place in Australia's 26-man squad and filling a significant attacking void left by Riley McGree's (hamstring) tournament-ruling injury. Manager Popovic expressed no hesitation in bringing Volpato in once his eligibility was confirmed, dismissing any suggestion of risk despite his late arrival to camp, adding that the only concern had been ensuring the eligibility process could be completed in time rather than any footballing considerations.
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