Fresh off the back of a better-than-expected season with his Italian top-flight club Parma, Socceroos star Alessandro Circati has switched his focus to realising his FIFA World Cup dream.
Circati has been among the final arrivals in the Socceroos’ pre-World Cup training camp in Florida after completing his 2025-26 Serie A commitments in Parma’s 1-0 weekend win over Sassuolo.
It was Parma’s second season back in Italy’s top division, with Circati pleased with his team’s 45-point haul that resulted in a 13th-placed finish, 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
“We did well this year,” the 22-year-old centre-back said.
“Our objective was to stay safe and stay in the league next (season).
“We did better than that. We were safe with five games to go, mathematically. Overall, I’d say we had a positive second year (back) in Serie A.”
However, Circati’s hard work isn’t over as he now prepares for the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign, which starts on June 14 (AEDT) with a Group D clash against Turkey in Vancouver.
“It’s so close. It’s what I’ve been working for. It would make me feel like I’ve achieved something that I’m working for, a dream of mine,” he said.
“To be able to be in this position, to be able to possibly go to (World Cup), would make my younger self very proud.
“I’m not content with where I am, but I think it (World Cup selection) is a nice objective to be able to accomplish.”
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic will name his 26-man World Cup squad after Australia’s friendly against Mexico on Sunday (AEST) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
There are currently 29 players in camp, meaning three will have their World Cup hopes crushed.
“The squad hasn’t been selected, so the boys are all doing their best to try getting in the squad,” Circati said.
“(It will) be even better to play in another iconic stadium (against Mexico).”
The Socceroos will also meet Switzerland in friendly on June 7 (AEST) in San Diego before their World Cup battle with Turkey.
