Alessandro Circati has worn the captain’s armband for Australia, and at 22, is one of the country’s best players.
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.
“But after talking to him, obviously they realised that now, deep down, he’s not Italian.
“We moved 20 years ago. Ale was a 16-month-old.”
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The Circatis moved to Perth, where Gianfranco Circati had a stint with Perth Glory.
A career on the up
He has since watched his son go on to play in Italy’s top flight for Parma, and his performances at the World Cup have seen him courted by several big clubs.
Alessandro Circati has been linked with some big clubs after an impressive start to the World Cup. (Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The centre back has attracted interest from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and England’s Newcastle United.
“I think he gives a little bit more oomph to keep going what he’s doing,” Gianfranco Circati said.
“But the rumours are there today. Tomorrow, maybe they can disappear.
“We need to be very focused on the World Cup and if something will happen.”
Alessandro Circati is no stranger to transfer rumours, as he was linked to several big clubs before he suffered an ACL injury in 2024.
Living through Ale
His father takes extra pleasure watching his son achieve at such a high level, after a long career of his own.
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He played predominantly in Italy’s second and third divisions during his time as a player.
“I think this is the peak of your career,” Gianfranco Circati said of his son.
“If you play a World Cup, I think it means you are being selected to be the best of your country.
“It’s the dream of every soccer player, so I couldn’t do it. I wasn’t good enough. I tried to live that dream through my son.”
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