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."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 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.His father takes extra pleasure watching his son achieve at such a high level, after a long career of his own.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