Australian international Cristian Volpato has tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice by police for speeding in Sydney on the same night, just days after representing the Socceroos at 2026. FIFA World Cup.The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was first arrested on Thursday night before being pulled over again less than two hours later when police say he returned a positive drug test en route for cocaine.The incident comes shortly after Volpato featured in Australia’s World Cup campaign, having switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia earlier this year before making three appearances at the tournament.
Signed up twice in the same night
According to reports, New South Wales Police said Volpato was first stopped at about 11:05pm on Thursday while driving his BMW Coupe across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge.Police say he was traveling between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone.A roadside breath test returned a negative result, and Volpato was issued with a speeding violation notice before being allowed to continue his journey.However, around 1:10 a.m. on Friday, officers stopped the midfielder again in the same area after he allegedly recorded his vehicle traveling at 109 km/h in the 60 km/h speed zone, almost double the legal limit.After the second stage, Volpato was subjected to a roadside drug test which allegedly produced a positive indication for cocaine.Later, the police collected a secondary oral fluid sample, which was sent for further laboratory analysis to confirm the result.His international driving license was also suspended for six months.
Australia’s Cristian Volpato arrives at the stadium before the World Cup 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 result pending confirmation from secondary testing.Representatives for Volpato have been approached for comment.
The World Cup campaign came after the international change
The midfielder had just 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 to Roma’s academy before making his senior move to 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, 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 had represented Italy at Under-19 and Under-20 level.In March, he admitted he was still waiting for a senior Italy call-up after progressing through the country’s youth teams. However, with Italy ultimately failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder switched allegiances and accepted Australia’s invitation.
Appearances in the tournament 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 defeat to the United States.The 22-year-old then started Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay before also featuring in the Round of 32 meeting with Egypt.Australia’s tournament came to an end after losing to Egypt in a penalty shootout, with Volpato substituted before extra time.The midfielder had been seen as one of Australia’s brightest emerging talents following his decision to represent the Socceroos, making the latest allegations an unfortunate development for the player and the country.