Socceroos star Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine after speeding
Australian international and Sassuolo midfielder Cristian Volpato has allegedly returned a positive test for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding in Sydney on the same night.
Socceroos World Cup player Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police stopped him twice for speeding in Sydney on the same night, authorities have said.
The 22-year-old midfielder was first pulled over on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday while driving a BMW Coupe. He was caught travelling between 86 and 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. Police administered a roadside breath test, which was negative.
However, when he was stopped again two hours later for driving at 109 km/h in the same 60 km/h zone, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine.
New South Wales state police said Volpato was issued an infringement notice for excessive speed, and his international driver's license was suspended for six months — meaning he cannot drive in New South Wales. Inquiries are continuing, and a secondary oral fluid sample has been sent for further analysis.
Volpato played in three of Australia's four matches at the World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before losing to Egypt on penalties. He previously represented Italy at youth level but switched allegiance to Australia in May, just before the Socceroos announced their World Cup squad.
Since 2023, Volpato has been playing for Serie A side Sassuolo, making 24 league appearances last season as the club finished 11th.
BBC Sport has approached Football Australia and Sassuolo for comment.
