Bruno Fornaroli has been named in the Subway Socceroos’ 26-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
Australia have been drawn into Group B for the tournament and will face India, Syria and Uzbekistan in the Group Stage; with selected players to assemble in Abu Dhabi from Monday, 1 January for a tournament pre-camp.
The Subway Socceroos’ squad size was given a boost in the days leading up to its confirmation, following a decision by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to allow participating teams the choice to increase their squad size to 26 players for the tournament, as opposed to the traditional 23.
Arnold said the opportunity to bring additional players to Doha would prove invaluable across the course of the tournament which runs January 12 – February 10, 2024.
“The decision by the AFC was based on feedback from coaches following last year’s World Cup, and it’s a positive outcome that has given us plenty to think about in recent days,” Arnold said.
“Overall, I’m extremely happy with the squad we’ve selected for the Asian Cup, it strikes the balance that we’re looking for when considering we’ve only just commenced World Cup qualification in November.”
Arnold has placed faith in the core group of players who have been seen in the majority of FIFA Men’s International Windows throughout 2023 including Mitchell Duke (FC Machida Zelvia), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda FC) and Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli).
Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata), Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory FC) and Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers FC) all return to the national team set-up following strong performances for their respective clubs.
After the best goalscoring start to a season in Isuzu UTE A-League history, Bruno has been rewarded with a Socceroos recall.
Fornaroli has scored eight goals in 12 games to start the season for Victory, making it nearly impossible for the striker not to be selected.
Arnold said he was looking forward to assembling his squad in camp and getting preparations underway.
“At our core, we have an extremely connected group, who have built a strong culture over many years. We’re welcoming in some new players who I think will prove fantastic additions to that,” Arnold added.
“It’s important that we bring energy and intensity to both our preparation and play, it’s something we’ve become renowned for and will be a big part of the group’s success moving forward.
“We’ve had to be strategic with some of our selections, considering our Olympic qualification commences in April and have looked to balance the age profile and experience of players across various positions in the squad.
“I’m excited about the potential within this group and am looking forward to getting into camp in the New Year,” Arnold concluded.
For more information on the match schedule for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ please click here.
Catch the Subway Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign on Network 10 and Paramount+.
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):
Australia v India
Saturday, 13 January 2024
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Syria v Australia
Thursday, 18 January 2024
Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Australia v Uzbekistan
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Al Janoub Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
