Alessandro Circati always knew close friend Cristian Volpato would one day join him in turning his back on Italy to play for the Socceroos.
And captain Mat Ryan is adamant Volpato will be welcomed wholeheartedly into the Socceroos' World Cup plans.
Sassuolo winger Volpato knocked back Graham Arnold's pitch to include him in the 2022 World Cup squad and in March said he was waiting for a call-up from Italy's senior team.
That changed on Friday when Football Australia announced Sydney-born and raised Volpato had switched allegiance to Australia, and he is expected to be in Tony Popovic's squad announced on Monday AEST.
"It's good to have Cristian in camp. It's been a long time coming," fellow former Italy youth international Circati said.