Alessandro Circati put in an assurred performance on his international debut by helping Australia to a 2-0 win over New Zealand in London overnight. The 20-year old centre-back played a role at both ends of the pitch, key in keeping a clean sheet while also contributing to the Socceroos’ first goal.

A ball lofted in towards the back post from the left found the former Perth SC junior, who nodded it back across goal where Mitch Duke’s strike came off Harry Souttar after 13 minutes. It got Graham Arnold’s team off to the perfect start and demonstrated what Circati, who plies his trade for Italian Serie B club Parma, can offer.

Circati explained it was a familiar motion for him in a comfortable first Socceroos’ outing. “I felt comfortable. I felt like I’d been playing with these boys for many years,” Circati said. “The ball came to me – I’ve done that many times now and today I knocked it in and the ball’s gone in the back of the net.”

Competition for places is high in the Australian backline with fellow West Australian Cameron Burgess recently coming into the fold to partner Harry Souttar. “This is my third camp with the boys, and my time’s come. I’m very happy we won and also happy for my first game for the Socceroos,” Circati said.

“He (Arnold) told me this morning (that I’d be playing). His message was just to play how you play with your club, and I felt like I’ve done exactly that.” Circati’s contribution puts him in good stead for Australia’s next assignment, their first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Melbourne on November 16.