‘I like to carry that weight’: How Socceroos skipper-in-waiting learnt to excel under pressur…

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‘I like to carry that weight’: How Socceroos skipper-in-waiting learnt to excel under pressure

Santa Clara: It’s impossible to prepare for the feeling of carrying a nation’s hopes into a World Cup.

But carrying the hopes of a football-mad Italian city, where relegation threatens livelihoods, business and civic pride? Every single week?

So when Alessandro Circati says he feels no extra burden playing for the Socceroos at a World Cup, it’s not bravado. Having just played a huge role in helping Parma avoid the drop in Italy’s Serie A, responsibility has become his comfort zone.

“Staying in Serie A means so much to the city, so much to the people,” Circati says.

PL contenders, European giants circling $100m Socceroos trio as World Cup sparks transfer frenzy

There’s nothing like a World Cup to get the transfer rumours going, and many a big move has been made off the back of a good tournament showing.

With performances like the one against Türkiye, there’s a good chance some Socceroos will be the next to cash-in on the World Cup and get on the move.

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Alessandro Circati chose Australia over Italy. His dad approves

Alessandro Circati (right) has captained both Australia and Parma in his relatively short career so far. (Getty Images: FIFA/Jared C. Tilton)

Alessandro Circati has worn the captain's armband for Australia, and at 22, is one of the country's best players.

Stay across the latest news, analysis and features from the 2026 FIFA World Cup here.

But his decision to play for the Socceroos raised eyebrows within his family in Italy, where he was born.

Alessandro Circati has enjoyed a successful start to his international career, becoming a vital piece of Tony Popovic's defensive unit. (Getty Images: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu)

"At the start, they didn't understand his decision to play for Australia," said his father, Gianfranco Circati.

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