Now, the Socceroos attacker is ready to pull the trigger.
After an impressive half-hour cameo against the United States, Volpato earned his first World Cup start against Paraguay and impressed with his guile, attacking runs and combinations with Jordan Bos.
Ahead of Australia's do-or-die clash with Egypt on Friday (Saturday AEST), the tricky attacker knows exactly what coach Tony Popovic wants from him.
"He tells me 'in our half just play simple, and in the other half or when you're near the box, just do what you came here to do, and just show us what you can do'," Volpato said.
"He's kind of let me free in that part of the pitch."
Volpato, who only switched allegiances from Italy days before Australia's squad was named, was sheepish when asked about looking dangerous against Paraguay, describing his performance as "alright, not too good'.
But the young playmaker has relished combining with dynamo Nestory Irankunda, 20, and exciting wing back Jordan Bos, 23.
Volpato and Bos proved an irresistible combination at times against Paraguay, overlapping down the right before cutting onto their preferred left boot.
"Playing with players like Nestor and Jordy makes your life a lot easier," Volpato said.
"They're world-class players to be honest.
"Playing with Jordy even on the right, I mean, he can use his right and left foot, he's fast.
"Nestor, you can give him the ball, he'll shove two guys off or you can put him in behind - he's got a shot like I've never seen before.
"So I mean, it makes my life a lot easier."
Volpato's decision to defect from Italy for Australia ahead of the World Cup could also help him on the club front.
The 22-year-old had a difficult season at Sassuolo, starting just 11 Serie A matches for two goals and four assists, with veteran Domenico Berardi, and winger Armand Lauriente among those ahead of him.
"Obviously having a player like Berardi who's been at the club all his life, he's won a Euros with Italy so he's a very big player in Italy and yes he's getting old but he's a good player," Volpato said.
"I've tried to leave sometimes on loan maybe to get some minutes but unfortunately I haven't got the opportunity to get out.Â
"But my motto is just train as hard as you can because I think everyone has their time."
The Socceroos will hope that time is now.
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