Australia international Cristian Volpato tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice by police for speeding in Sydney that night, just days after he represented the Socceroos at 2026. FIFA World Cup.The 22-year-old Sassuolo player was first stopped on Thursday night before being pulled over again less than two hours later, when police reportedly failed a positive test for cocaine.The move comes as Volpato takes part in Australia’s World Cup campaign, having switched allegiance from Italy to Australia earlier this year before making three appearances at the tournament.
He stopped twice that night
According to reports, New South Wales police said Volpato was first stopped at about 11:05 pm on Thursday while driving his BMW Coupe across the Anzac Bridge in Sydney.Police say he was traveling between 86 km/h and 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.A roadside breath test returned negative results, and Volpato was given a speeding citation before being allowed to continue his journey.However, at around 1:10 a.m. on Friday, officers stopped the midfielder again in the same area after filming his car traveling at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h speed zone – almost twice the legal limit.Following the second stop, Volpato underwent a roadside drug test which reportedly produced a positive signal for cocaine.The police later took a second sample of oral fluid, which has been sent for further scientific analysis to confirm the results.His international driver’s license was also suspended for six months.
Cristian Volpato of Australia arrives on the field during the World Cup round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
Authorities have not announced any other charges related to the drug’s suspected side effects pending confirmation from the second trial.Representatives for Volpato have been contacted for comment.
The World Cup campaign came after a change of international status
The midfielder had just finished his first FIFA World Cup after making the decision to represent Australia instead of Italy.Born and raised in Sydney, Volpato came through the youth systems of Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers before moving to Europe as a teenager.He later progressed to Roma’s academy before excelling in Serie A.
FILE – Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato controls the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Dec. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)
Sassuolo signed the midfielder in 2023, where he scored seven goals in three seasons.Before committing his future to Australia, Volpato represented Italy at Under-19 and Under-20 level.As recently as March, he admitted that he was waiting for a call-up from the Italian authorities after progressing through the country’s youth ranks. However, as Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder changed his mind and accepted Australia’s invitation.
The emergence of competition in Australia
Volpato made three appearances during Australia’s World Cup campaign in North America.He was an unused substitute as the Socceroos opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Turkey before coming off the bench in the 2-0 loss to the United States.The 22-year-old then started Australia’s goalless draw against Paraguay before featuring in the Round of 32 against Egypt.Australia’s campaign came to an end after they lost to Egypt on penalties, and Volpato was subbed off prematurely.The midfielder was seen as one of Australia’s best emerging talents following his decision to represent the Socceroos, making the latest comments unacceptable to both the player and the country.
