Italiano Eyes World Cup Stage After European Hat-Trick
Fresh off a sensational hat-trick for his European club, Jacob Italiano is eager to seize the opportunity and prove to Socceroos coach Tony Popovic that he has what it takes to compete on the World Cup stage. The 24-year-old wing-back bagged three goals, including two spectacular strikes, in Grazer AK’s dominant 5-1 victory over WSG Tirol in the Austrian Bundesliga last weekend.
This impressive performance marks Italiano’s first goals of the season and has instilled a significant boost of confidence as he joins the national team camp for the upcoming FIFA Series clash against Cameroon at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Friday night.
“It was nice to come into camp off the back of that performance,” Italiano shared on Thursday. “I’d like to have scored more goals in my career up until this point, so it’s nice that I managed to get three in the one game.”
Italiano made his Socceroos debut in October last year, making a positive impression by starting in both of Australia’s matches against Canada and the United States. However, his momentum was cruelly halted by a calf injury sustained shortly after his return to Austria, forcing him to miss the team’s November fixtures against Venezuela and Colombia.
Reflecting on that setback, Italiano acknowledged the psychological impact of such injuries. “That was a bit of a hit. A lot of times in football that’s where an injury can get you, when you’re feeling really good and on top,” he admitted. “It’s more of a learning curve. Maybe you stop doing some things that you could have done because you feel like you’re on top of the world and nothing can get you. My loading went a bit higher. It’s all a different experience in the mind, and you’re experiencing a lot of different things. It’s something I’ve definitely learned from, and something I will learn from in the future, and hopefully, touch wood, nothing happens off the back of this camp, and I can play well and keep the form going.”
An Open Door at Right Wing-Back
The right wing-back position in the Socceroos’ lineup is currently a battleground for opportunities. The unfortunate ruptured Achilles tendon that has ruled Lewis Miller out of the World Cup has opened a door for other players.
“It’s really unfortunate what happened to Lewis,” Italiano said with empathy. “It’s a part of football. Sometimes when injuries come, and I’ve had my fair share of injuries as well, it’s an opportunity for another player, and now I just want to put my best foot forward, keep my head down and work hard, and hopefully I can take the chance. It is just about showing the boss (Popovic), the fans and the team that you belong here and that you’re capable of doing a really good job for Australia.”
Adding to the dynamic of this position, another right wing-back contender, Fran Karacic, has also departed the Socceroos camp due to a foot injury. This situation further elevates the likelihood of Italiano featuring prominently in Friday night’s match.
Popovic Praises Italiano’s Professionalism
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic highlighted Italiano as a prime example of a player who capitalises on his chances. “I’d love to find another Jacob Italiano, whether it’s that position or another position, someone that can come through and surprise everyone, and then continue on with some really good form at their club leading into the World Cup,” Popovic stated.
Italiano’s recent form and his determined mindset suggest he is well-prepared to make a lasting impression and stake his claim for a regular spot in the national team as the journey towards the World Cup intensifies. His ability to translate club success onto the international stage will be a key storyline to watch.
