Alessandro Circati has revealed that Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon played a key role in helping him choose to play for Australia over the Azzurri .

Born in Fidenza before moving to Perth as an infant, Circati made the switch from Perth Glory to Parma in 2021 and -- after his talent became apparent -- was quickly drafted into Italy's national youth setup.

But before the Azzurri the chance to guide the defender through to their senior ranks, then-Australia coach Graham Arnold swooped: selecting the centre-back for Socceroos for a friendly against Argentina in 2023 and giving him his debut against New Zealand in the months that followed.

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And i

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