Australia 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 at the 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 allege he returned a positive roadside drug test 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.
Stopped twice on the same night
According to reports, New South Wales Police said Volpato was first stopped at approximately 11:05 p.m. on Thursday while driving his BMW Coupe across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge.Police allege he was travelling 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 with an infringement notice for speeding 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 allegedly recording his vehicle travelling at 109 km/h in the 60 km/h speed zone—almost double the legal limit.Following the second stop, Volpato underwent a roadside drug test that allegedly produced a positive indication for cocaine.Police subsequently collected a secondary oral fluid sample, which has been sent for further laboratory analysis to confirm the result.His international driver’s licence was also suspended for six months.
Australia’s Cristian Volpato arrives at the stadium ahead 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 relating to the alleged drug result while awaiting confirmation from the secondary test.Volpato’s representatives have been approached for comment.
World Cup campaign came after international switch
The midfielder had only 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 the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Dec. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)
Sassuolo signed the attacking midfielder in 2023, where he has since scored seven goals across three seasons.Before committing his future to Australia, Volpato had represented Italy at Under-19 and Under-20 level.As recently as 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 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 victory 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 viewed as one of Australia’s brightest emerging talents following his decision to represent the Socceroos, making the latest allegations an unwelcome development for both player and country.
