He began his transition to beach soccer in 2011 when he began playing in the Italian National League (Serie A). In 2013, he was the second top scorer in the league and top scorer in the Coppa Italia.[5] He was subsequently called up to the Italy national team for the first time[6] for a friendly versus Iran in August of that year.[7] His competitive debut came at Stage 1 of the 2014 Euro Beach Soccer League (EBSL); his performances during the season earnt him a nomination for the Pallone Azzurro (Blue Ball).[5]
In 2015, he attended his first World Cup, and has since been part of the Italian squads at three further editions (2017, 2019, 2014). He was top scorer of Serie A in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017, and was named as the league's MVP in 2018 whilst playing for club side Catania.[8] He successfully converted his penalty in the shootout win versus Spain in the final of the 2018 EBSL to help seal Italy's first European title in 13 years.[9]
At the 2019 World Cup, he won the Silver Boot award with 10 goals,[10][11] was shortlisted for the Golden Ball,[12] and his first goal versus Switzerland was voted as the best of the tournament[13] as he played a crucial role in Italy's run to the final. It was also in 2019 when Zurlo made his 100th appearance for Italy in a 4–3 win versus Russia at the European Games in Minsk,[14] and he scored his 100th goal at the World Beach Games in Doha.[15]
In 2023, Italy coach, Emiliano Del Duca, revamped the national team, purging it of some veteran players.[16][17] However, Zurlo's services were retained and he was promoted to team captain;[4] in this role, he was flag bearer for Italy at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Mediterranean Beach Games,[18] and he led Italy to a third European crown at the 2023 EBSL,[19] being one of just two surviving squad members from the previous title win five years prior.[20]
