Australia international Cristian Volpato is under investigation after allegedly returning a positive roadside test for cocaine following two speeding incidents in Sydney.
The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was stopped twice by New South Wales Police within about two hours between Thursday night and early Friday.
According to police, Volpato was first stopped on the Anzac Bridge at about 11:05 p.m. on Thursday after allegedly driving between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone.
A roadside breath test conducted during the stop returned a negative result.
However, Volpato was stopped again at about 1:10 a.m. on Friday after allegedly driving at 109km/h in the same 60km/h zone.
During the second stop, the Australian international allegedly returned a positive roadside oral fluid test for cocaine.
Police subsequently obtained a secondary oral fluid sample, which has been sent for laboratory analysis as investigations continue.
Volpato has not been charged with a criminal offence over the alleged drug test.
He was, however, issued an infringement notice for speeding, while his international driver’s licence was suspended for six months, preventing him from driving in New South Wales.
Volpato’s mentor and former youth coach, Tony Basha, said the midfielder was shocked by the result and denied taking cocaine or any other illicit substance.
Football Australia has also confirmed that it is aware of the allegations and is monitoring developments.
Volpato recently represented Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy earlier this year.
The midfielder featured in three matches for the Socceroos at the tournament and was scheduled to leave Sydney this week to begin pre-season preparations with Italian Serie A club Sassuolo.
