Socceroos boss Graham Arnold thought he had his man after jetting to Italy to meet the 20-year-old attacking weapon in person back in September.

Discussions were positive and documents drawn up to secure the former Roma teenager’s switch from Italy - whom he has represented at junior level - to Australia.

However, sources in Italy have revealed that once Sassuolo officials got wind of Volpato’s intentions they intervened, suggesting hopes of building his profile at the club he joined for $12 million in June would be hampered by jetting across the globe to represent the green and gold.

A further meeting with Roma legend Totti reinforced the notion that putting the Socceroos on the back burner - at least for now - would be the most prudent path in the near term.

As a result, instead of a maiden call up for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Bangladeshi and Palestine, Volpato will make the short trip with Italy to San Marino for Friday’s Euro U-21 qualifier. The young Azzurri then face Republic of Ireland, with Volpato stepping up from the U-20s for whom he has made seven appearances.

It’s a blow for Arnold, who looked to have snared the Sydney-born talent.

However, with Volpato securing more game time in recent weeks - for a total of 59 Serie A minutes thus far this season for Alessio Dionisi’s side - the pressure was on to yield to the club’s wishes.

Arnold, meanwhile, will play the long game, with the expectation that in the fullness of time Volpato, who is still able to make the switch under FIFA rules, will ultimately opt for Australia, where his prospects of senior international football will be far greater than with star-studded Italy.