Jacob Italiano
RWB
Overlapping Full Back
Jul 30, 2001 (25)
Both
5'10"
163 lb
Done for World Cup
Italiano (groin) is done for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup, according to the Australian federation.
Analysis: Italiano will not return with Team Australia as he heads back to Austria to continue recovery with his club, knocked out of the World Cup after a groin injury in training. After being one of the team's stronger players in their first two games, this will leave a major hole for the club. That said, Jordan Bos will likely continue on the right of the defense for Australia due to his absence, while Aziz Behich serves on the left
Suffers adductor injury in training
Italiano (adductor) will not be available for Thursday's group stage finale against Paraguay after picking up an injury in training this week, according to coach Tony Popovic, per Jack Snape of The Guardian. "Jacob, unfortunately, will not be available. I think it's an adductor injury. We still don't know the extent. We will do more tests in the coming days. But he will not be available for this match."
Analysis: Italiano's absence is the second blow to Australia's starting lineup against the USA, joining winger Mathew Leckie (hamstring) who is also out for the clash. Jason Geria and Kai Trewin emerge as the most likely options to fill the void at right-back, though manager Popovic did not rule out a change to his system as Australia look to navigate their group stage finale without two key starters.
Sends six crosses in loss
Italiano generated six crosses (one accurate) and one tackle in Friday's 2-0 loss versus USA. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 89th minute while racking up four clearances and a tackle.
Analysis: Italiano was one of the biggest attacking threats for Australia in this loss to the USMNT, which says a lot about the team's struggles in the final third. Aside from the six crosses, giving him eight in total in the tournament, Italiano also looked active on the defensive end. He has 11 clearances and four tackles in two matches thus far.
Makes World Cup debut
Italiano registered one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 victory against Turkey.
Analysis: Italiano started the game at right back and had to constantly deal with Baris Yilmaz and Ferdi Kadioglu. Italiano performed well, recording seven clearances, three tackles, and an interception. Italiano was replaced by Jason Geria in the 74th minute, capping off a strong World Cup debut.
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