Young Phoenix defender Lucas Mauragis has been called up to the Australian U-23 men’s team for a European training camp to take place during the upcoming FIFA international window.
Mauragis, 21, will travel to Italy after the Phoenix’s round 21 match against Adelaide United on Friday week and will return to Wellington to prepare for the round 22 match against Melbourne Victory on April 1.
The on-loan fullback has been rewarded with Olyroos selection after shining for the Nix this season. He has started 14 of the men’s 19 matches to date.
As part of a nine-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport European training centre located in Gavirate, Varese, the Olyroos will play two friendly matches against the Switzerland U-21 national team and Serie B outfit, Como 1907.
They have an important seven months ahead, with the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 qualifiers scheduled for 4–12 September 2023, and if the team progresses, the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar in early 2024 (dates to be confirmed by AFC), which double as Paris Olympics qualifiers.
