Barely a flicker on the national team horizon when the competition kicked off eight games ago, Melbourne Victory’s 36-year-old firecracker has forced himself to the front of the queue - and is likely to be named by Arnold on Friday for a Socceroos return most thought was beyond him.
 
FTBL understands that Melbourne Victory have already drawn up contingency plans to cover for Fornaroli’s absence next month, with Australia kicking off their campaign against India on January 13 in Qatar.
 
Injuries have helped Fornaroli’s cause - particularly a hamstring issue which could rule Mathew Leckie out until the knock out stage.
 
However, his blistering form has been almost impossible to overlook - four goal hauls against Western Sydney and Newcastle Jets highlighting a ruthless streak complimented by the ability to conjure outrageous individual strikes.
 
Fornaroli made his debut in a World Cup qualifying loss to Japan in 2022, and is desperate to add to his two caps.
 
“Of course, I would be so happy if the opportunity comes,” Fornaroli told SEN’s The Global Game on Tuesday.
 
“I only played two games for the national team and it’s always exciting to play for the national team.
 
“At the moment I cannot control that decision, I can only control what I can do during the week and try to play my best football on the weekend, I know if I do that, I have more chances to come back.
 
“I haven’t spoken to him (Arnold), the last time I spoke to him was when the Socceroos played here, I had an opportunity to say hello to him but no more than that.”
 
Japan-based Mitch Duke is nailed on as Arnold’s main man up front and it’s almost certain Arnold will also hand a second call up to Portsmouth’s Kusini Yengi, with Fornaroli - yet to score for his adopted nation - effectively the wild card selection.
 
If all goes according to plan stalwart Leckie will work fastidiously with Socceroos conditioning staff, with the aim of emerging later in the tournament.