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 participated in the World Cup in Australia, where he played three times before switching international duty from Italy to Australia earlier this year.
Stopped twice on the same night
NSW Police said Volpato was first intercepted at around 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 issued an infringement notice for speeding before being allowed to continue his journey.However, at around 1.10am on Friday, police stopped the midfielder again in the same area after his vehicle was 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, which has been sent 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.
The World Cup campaign follows the transfer of the 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 through the youth systems of Sydney United 58s, Sydney FC and Western 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 controls 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 this year, he admitted that he was still waiting for a call-up to the Italian national team after being selected for the Italian youth team. 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 competition
Volpato made three appearances during the North American World Cup in Australia.He was an unused substitute in Australia’s 2-0 tournament opener against Turkey and then 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, with Volpato being 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.
