Australia international Cristian Volpato has reportedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice by police for speeding in Sydney just days after he was due to compete in the Australian team at the 2026 Olympics. fifa world cup.The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was first pulled over late on Thursday night and again less than two hours later when police said he tested positive for cocaine on the side of the road.The incident occurred shortly after Volpato attended the World Cup in Australia, where he played three times after switching international duty from Italy to Australia earlier this year.
Stopped twice on the same night
New South Wales police said Volpato was first stopped at about 11.05pm on Thursday as he drove his BMW coupe across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge.Police said he was driving between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone.A roadside breath test came back negative and Volpato was ticketed for speeding before being allowed to continue his journey.However, police stopped the midfielder again in the same area at around 1.10am on Friday, with the midfielder’s vehicle allegedly traveling at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone – almost twice the legal limit.After the second stop, Volpato underwent a roadside drug test, which allegedly came back positive for cocaine.Police subsequently collected a secondary oral fluid sample and sent it for further laboratory analysis to confirm the results.His international driving license was also suspended for six months.
Australia’s Cristian Volpato arrives at the stadium before their World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges related to the alleged drug results, pending confirmation of the secondary test.CNN has reached out to Volpato’s representatives for comment.
World Cup journey begins after transfer to national team
The midfielder only recently decided to represent Australia at his first senior World Cup instead of Italy.Born and raised in Sydney, Volpato grew up in the youth systems of Sydney United 58s, Sydney Football Club and West Sydney Wanderers before moving to Europe as a teenager.He later progressed through Roma’s youth academy before breaking through in Serie A.
FILE – Sassuolo’s Christian Volpato holds the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy on December 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Antonio Calani, File)
Sassuolo signed the attacking midfielder in 2023 and he has since scored seven goals in three seasons.Volpato represented Italy at under-19 and under-20 level before committing his future to Australia.As recently as March, he admitted that he was still awaiting a call-up to the Italian senior side after being promoted from the Italian youth teams. However, as Italy ultimately failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder switched sides and accepted an invitation from Australia.
Represent Australia in competitions
Volpato played three times during the North American World Cup in Australia.He did not feature in Australia’s 2-0 tournament opener against Turkey, but came on as a substitute in the 0-2-0 loss to the United States.The 22-year-old then started in Australia’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay and also featured in the last-32 tie against Egypt.The game ended after Australia lost to Egypt in a penalty shootout and Volpato was substituted before extra time.The midfielder is regarded as one of Australia’s brightest emerging talents after deciding to represent Australia, making the latest allegations an unwelcome development for both the player and the country.
