Australian international Cristian Volpato has reportedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice by police for speeding in Sydney on the same night, just days after representing the Socceroos in 2026 FIFA World Cup.The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was first stopped late on Thursday night before being pulled over again less than two hours later, when police say he returned a positive roadside drug test for cocaine.The incident came shortly after Volpato featured in Australia’s World Cup campaign, switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia earlier this year before making three appearances at the tournament.
Stopped by twice in the same night
According to reports, New South Wales Police said Volpato was first stopped at around 11:05pm on Thursday while driving his BMW Coupe across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge.Police said he was traveling between 86 km/h and 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.A roadside breath test returned a negative result, and Volpato was issued a violation notice for speeding before being allowed to continue his journey.However, around 1:10 a.m. on Friday, the officers stopped the midfielder again in the same place after allegedly recording his car traveling at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h speed zone—almost double the legal limit.After the second stop, Volpato submitted to a roadside drug test which allegedly showed positive signs of cocaine.The police later collected a secondary sample of oral fluid, which was sent for further laboratory analysis to confirm the result.His international driving license was also suspended for six months.
Cristian Volpato of Australia arrives at the stadium before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Australia and Egypt 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 from the secondary test.Volpato’s representatives have been reached for comment.
The World Cup campaign came after an international transfer
The midfielder recently completed his first senior FIFA World Cup after making the decision to represent Australia instead of Italy.Born and raised in Sydney, Volpato developed through the youth systems of Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers before moving to Europe as a teenager.He later progressed through Roma’s academy before making his senior breakthrough in Serie A.
FILE – Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato controls the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, December 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)
Sassuolo signed the attacking midfielder in 2023, where he has since scored seven goals in three seasons.Before committing his future to Australia, Volpato represented Italy at Under-19 and Under-20 level.In March, he admitted he was still waiting for a senior call-up in Italy after progressing through the country’s youth teams. However, due to Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder switched allegiance and accepted Australia’s invitation.
Tournament appearances for 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 during a 2–0 loss to the United States.The 22-year-old then started Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay before also taking part in the Round of 32 meeting with Egypt.Australia’s tournament ended after losing to Egypt in a penalty shootout, where Volpato was replaced before extra time.The midfielder was considered one of Australia’s brightest talents following his decision to represent the Socceroos, making the latest allegations an unwelcome development for player and country.