Whilst incumbent gloveman and skipper Mat Ryan, 32, is likely to face restricted minutes as back-up to Serb Mile Svilar at new club Roma, and Joe Gauci, 23, in the shadow of World Cup winner Emi Martinez at Aston Villa, Izzo is the undisputed number one at Superliga joint leaders Randers.
 
Izzo, 29, is just two games into his second coming overseas after what degenerated into a Greek tragedy at Xanthi - through no fault of his own - and has hit the ground running with a Randers side sitting joint top of the Superliga alongside this weekend’s opponent FC Copenhagen.
 
It was always the ex-Adelaide, Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne Victory keeper’s plan to have another crack offshore after Xanthi were forced to cease competing in Greece’s second tier after their fugitive owner Bill Papas pulled funding amidst $500 million bank fraud allegations against him back home in Australia.
 
The failed businessman has effectively been on the run since 2022, enjoying the high life in Greece as an court judgement on a fraud inquiry looms in Australia.
 
“I always wanted to have another shot at Europe after what happened in Greece and come back as a different kind of player,” Izzo told FTBL.
 
“It didn’t help when the club owner was under a $500 million investigation by Westpac. He owes a lot of people a lot money (Izzo being one of them)., and deserves to have his name out there.
 
"As far as I know he’s living the good life in Greece but it’s really sad what he’s done to that club because it has so much history. Then, just like that, it’s disappeared. It’s a real shame.”
 
Izzo wasn’t the only victim of the alleged fraudster’s misdeeds , with coach Tony Popovic, midfielder Josh Brillante and defender Matt Jurman all suffering as a result of the club’s collapse.
 
Izzo went back to basics to resurrect his future at Victory, where Popovic was again his mentor, and is now reaping the rewards.
 
“Victory was a great option for me and the platform I used to rebuild myself, my reputation and land me the move to where I am today," he continued.
 
Yet to make his full Socceroos debut, Izzo - in his own words - has “walked through the door” now after his call up for the most recent World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon and Bangladesh, and is well and truly in the mix heading into September’s duel against Bahrain on the Gold Coast, not to mention October’s visit of China to his hometown of Adelaide.
 
“It’s a matter now of me maintaining that slot in the squad by playing well for Randers each week,” he added.
 
“If I’m playing well for my club it won’t do me any harm. With the career Maty has had the number one position is his but I think the other spots are well and truly up for grabs.
 
“I’m loving it over here - it’s a really good solid league with lots of talented young players who make their names in Denmark.
 
“Randers have always been floating around the top six and we're looking to push on. We've  had a great start, maintaining that is the challenge. For me, personally, it’s massive opportunity playing over here.”
 
Whilst every national team call up is cherished, Izzo has a particular eye on October and the chance to have friends and family in attendance for the China match.
 
“That would even incredible - let’s see what happens,” he said. “Australia has been blessed with goalkeepers over the years.
 
“Competition for places is extremely tough and continues to be. Every keeper in contention brings their own persona and game style and it gives the coaching staff a nice problem in terms of selection.
 
“I think I saw an interview with Gauci a while back saying he was looking to ruffle a few feathers and try claim that spot and, as bad as it sounds, It is a bit dog eat dog. That’s the friendly competition everybody thrives on.”