Tilio might make it back in time, but will be unfit and going in raw for U23's. Nieuwenhof will most likely be back in time whether or not he goes. His club is basically locked in into third place and if he goes he will only miss the last game and that's it. 

I think Bos will make the tournament proper but Circati is 5% chance, citing he will only play if Parma FC are locked into promotion which based on the rankings is unlikely to be the case by then. I also think Triantis will make the squad because it's Monty and similar to the Hof he will only miss one game. Hopefully Toure is back by then as well. So we might be able to scramble together a solid team but an omission like Irankunda is such a blow to the ceiling of this team, we've already lost other fire power and they make an exclusive decision to let him focus on the U20's who are playing in like 7 months. So, what does that mean if we qualify? We aren't going to bring him to the Olympics? I would've thought that this experience being with the older boys would've been great for his development and also to get him out of the Adelaide locker-room for a bit which he isn't even getting that many minutes. I don't understand. Then again, they might have to choose him if the wingers aren't firing during this tournament.

No updates on transfermarkt for this year but Bility had better be playing to even be considered. Novello has scored 5 in 12.

Good to see a group get together. Asian Cup proper is so bloody vital but it seems we've faced facts we won't get our absolute best out there. Got to finish at least 3rd for automatic.

novello has 5 in 12 in which league?

Looks a striker?

Jahce Novello plays in Primavera II for Consenza (Serie B).

I think Volpato and Circati will only play for the Olyroos at the Olympics, as it is an off-season U23 tournament in France (close to their clubs). News that Circati won't even be selected for the Roos because of club pressure and dissatisfaction towards the travel to and from Australia and in return missing match-days. Circati at least has a reputation for playing for us. Volpato on the other hand is still getting inconsistent minutes in the Serie A and the commitment to Australia would most likely tarnish any consistency in the future which is why he is only a chance to play at the Olympics and probably not the senior team for quite some time. 

Once again proof that the geography of Australia is limiting our capabilities. 

Who knew the U23 sphere would become this complicated? haha

NO...FIFA Day windows the club got no choice but to release just like Mo Salah just recovered from injury and got called for Egypt again.  

If the Socceroos call , Circati have to come unless he is injured or Parma will be in serious trouble for not releasing.

I said it's reported that he won't be selected not that the club will deny him but if Circati on behalf of the club emphasises the importance of not going then that can be a factor and GA would know this especially if it jeopardises his club career just to sit on the bench for the Socceroos half way across the world.

Such a patchwork of crossovers for eligibility for numerous national teams and balancing club issues. I think we should call Parma's bluff. As much as Circati is at low risk of converting to Italy, I wouldn't put it past Italy to try their luck if he does get promotion and have a ripper first half season in Serie A.

I believe he'd need 3 A caps? So 2 this window and then June. Have it sorted by June. If Parma chuck a tantrum then they will have their excellent Circati back soon enough and will play him. If not, Circati can move to another club as he's seemingly so so good. 

Both Sassuolo and Parma and formerly Roma aren't acting on behalf of the Italian Federation to get these players to play for Italy but rather out of their own club self interests. Him staying at his club is not going to push him to play for Italy but in the end it's what Circati wants, if he wants to play for us in these windows then that is fine and he should but if he thinks his position isn't stable enough and club is pressuring him because of it then again that's up to him to decide. It's the unfortunate truth about representing Australia at international level when you play in Europe. Besides, Circati is rumoured to have foreign interest from EPL's clubs and such so could be an option and England seems more lenient with International call-ups more so than Italy. Though, I actually think he should stay at Parma for a few years in the Serie A and become a household name in that league before moving, important for him to not throw away this chance just for a chance at the EPL. 

The issue and risk is the Italians try to get into the player's head. They're immersed by agents, representatives and officials. Australia shouldn't but can easily become a distant thought for any of our players of that mixed heritage in that environment.  Volpato was told his attractiveness would go down of he opted for Australia. A bit rich coming from a place that has plenty of individual talents from lower nations across the board. Conversely, Can Uzun has opted for Turkey despite being in Germany yet the DFB are becoming notorious for overlooking talents while the country of their heritage snaps them up.

It's evident Parma really fancy Circati. Would they dare try any f this caper with a player equalled fancied from Japan or South Korea? South Africa or Chile? 

I agree our players need to put themselves first and do what they think is right yet I can't help but think there's plenty of meddling by clubs. Grella and Bresciano had to get out once to play for Australia.

It's a problem we are going to have to accept because there will be lots of Italian-Australians who will have the same problem. I expect Danilo Treffiletti in the future to have this same problem at Monza once he gets closer to the first team. Louis Agosti, Massimo Papallo, Sebastian Esposito, Alessio Genova etc if any of them make a name for themselves in the Italian leagues then it's going to be a similar cat and mouse game between club and country. Probably going to have similar issues in the Balkan leagues like William Millwood, Noa Skoko, Noah Slunjski. 

Try not to get too hyped up by these young talents. Reno Piscopo, Armenakas and Ikonomidis were highly rated at one point too.

I'd add also that part of the reason the Socceroos have overperformed given the relatively unspectacular level of players available is the underrated mental aspect of he game. A team that bonds and to a man (or woman) plays with heart and passion can do extraordinary things. Bringing in talented overseas players with tenuous Australian connections who lack that passion for the shirt can have a negative effect on the whole team morale and cohesion. Must say we've been lucky in that the likes of Boyle and Souttar have shown the same passion for the national team thatt he homegrown players have.

That's hardly the point of the comment

 You are wise, Pasquali.

 Many don't kick on, despite showing precocious talent at a young age - think Kaz Patafta, Kristian Sarkies, Stu Musialik, Ahmad Elrich.

After seeing a lot of the 21 years and younger talent in recent times I couldn't care if  any players choose other countries over Aus. They might be more interested in their own careers than making it a priority to play for the Socceroos. Ned Zelic was like that.

Seeing that Vidmar ( WU), Jelacic ( Roar), Simmons (WSW), Priestman (WSW)  have missed out on  Olympic selection, we must have a lot of depth ATM.  

Good points made.

Vidmar and Priestman aren't good enough, Jelacic probably didn't get selected because he is on loan and Simmons just somehow misses out. Also not Olympic selection. 

Waddingham, Jovanovic and now Caputo.

Three decent striking prospects coming through the ranks its a shame we are a bit weak in the No.9 position in the current side but with the next batch we should have some very promising options.

Caputo almost looks to have the complete game for a No.9 from what ive seen from him, very impressed with he's performance tonight. 

So what do you suggest?

I know we've done this at times before but perhaps we need regular European training camps and games to make the logistics more favourable, and provide opportunities. 

Not sure how old Vidmar is exactly? I've seen him play a few games live. I was told he is 18 or 19. He is a pretty solid CB for  his age.

Priestman has been involved with a lot of  slick passing and moving sequences for his club.

I probably haven't seen much of the RBs Simmons is competing with. Have been impressed with him in games I've seen him play though.

Jelacic uses one dribbling sequence with a left foot fake, and outside of the foot body swerve, that I haven't coached - and - don't know it very well. I know most of  the other dribbling techniques, and can do them, albeit sometimes slowly - and - coach them.

 Jelacic is the best Aussie I've ever seen perform this move. He constantly wrongfoots opponents with it. It is so fluent.

All gonna be with the U20's later this year. Mazzone another good option too.  

Jelacic plays almost identical to Volpato, especially his ability to dribble, though Volpato is left footed. Volpato does this move constantly, that's why I've always been a big fan of Jelacic because it's evident his ability is rare in Australia. Priestman and Vidmar are solid players but unfortunately the depth is really strong in most positions and being solid isn't good enough. 

I must go back and slow it down. Jelacic produced the move before delivering a perfect cross in in a recent game for Rojas to head  a goal  from the back post.

I haven't really appraised Jelacic's ability off the ball. It is nice to be have players who do easy things to identify - technical  qualities on the ball. A lot of the qualities of the senior Socceroos's strengths are more subtle and harder to identify for the average fan.

Thanks for providing the info on Volpato having a similar quality.  It is pleasing to hear. I've never seen him play. 

Loving these discussions on the young players coming thru, looking forward to the progress of Jelacic & Volpato & the strikers Waddinton & Caputo.

For the all of the talk about the lack talent in those key positions in No.9, No.10, ball playing centre backs the thing is they are out there based on that list alone it's just if Australian coaches are capable of trusting and developing them into the players they can become?
From what I've seen they usually develop them into different positions where the responsibility isn't the same or they don't play at this level at all in favour of a foreigner or experienced Aussie.
I even seen it this season where talented No.10s for example are moved into different positions when they are capable of more in playing in their natural positions.

This is why overseas expertise can be handy especially when coming from very good youth development countries where they know the knack in how to develop a player into a very good one and I feel this is still missing in this country, I never felt at all we lacked the talent its all on the environment at club land where it usually goes missing.

Yes more opportunities will help but also you need the right environment if you want to develop those type of players.

This is the reality...

A good article explaining the realities of young Australian players at European clubs. Kewell and Viduka were hard to lock in too and players in the 90s and 00's had similar issues with the travel. 

 https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/european-clubs-pressuring-socceroos-to-reject-call-ups-arnold-20240314-p5fce2.html

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/under-17-world-cup-to-be-held-every-year-fifa-qatar-gianni-infantino-2025-news/article67952212.ece

At this rate the next 5 world cups will be in qatar

In any case maybe its easier to qualify if we get a chance each year