Sassuolo winger and Australia international Cristian Volpato is at the centre of a doping investigation after a roadside drugs test allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine following a traffic stop in Sydney.
According to Australian police sources and multiple media reports, the 22-year-old was pulled over while driving his BMW Coupé on the Anzac Bridge in the early hours of Friday morning. Police recorded him travelling at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone — nearly double the legal limit. During the stop, a preliminary oral fluid test reportedly came back positive for cocaine. A second saliva sample has been sent to a laboratory for confirmatory analysis.
Volpato was fined for speeding and has had his international driving licence suspended for six months, prohibiting him from driving in New South Wales. His alcohol breath test was negative. No criminal charges have been filed at this stage.
The more serious consequences could come from Football Australia's anti-doping regulations. Under the national governing body's rules, any player or official who tests positive for a prohibited substance without a valid therapeutic use exemption faces a ban of up to four years. The Sassuolo playmaker also risks disciplinary action from the Italian football authorities given that the incident involves a player registered with a Serie A club.
Volpato, who was born in Australia to Italian parents, represented Italy at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 levels before switching his international allegiance to Australia on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He featured for the Socceroos during the tournament in the United States, where they reached the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Egypt.
Sassuolo have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. The club will be monitoring the situation closely as the confirmatory test results are expected in the coming days.
Sources
- La Gazzetta dello Sport: https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Sassuolo/24-07-2026/volpato-cocaina-sydney-auto.shtml
- Football Italia: https://football-italia.net/volpato-allegedly-tests-positive-cocaine/
