Australian international Cristian Volpato is facing scrutiny after allegedly returning a positive roadside drug test for cocaine following two separate traffic stops in Sydney on the same night.
According to New South Wales Police, the 22-year-old midfielder was first pulled over late Thursday night while driving a BMW Coupe across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge. Officers alleged he was travelling between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h speed zone. A roadside breath test was conducted, and the result was negative for alcohol.
Roughly two hours later, police allegedly stopped Volpato again in the same 60km/h zone after recording his vehicle at 109km/h. During the second stop, officers conducted an oral fluid test, which allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine.
Police said Volpato was issued a speeding infringement notice, and his international driver’s licence has been suspended for six months, preventing him from driving in New South Wales. Authorities also confirmed that a secondary oral fluid sample has been collected for laboratory analysis, with investigations still ongoing.
The alleged incident comes just weeks after Volpato enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder featured in three of Australia’s four matches as the team advanced to the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Egypt in a penalty shootout.
Volpato, who previously represented Italy at youth level, officially switched his international allegiance to Australia in May ahead of the World Cup squad announcement.
At club level, the midfielder has been with Serie A outfit Sassuolo since 2023. He made 24 league appearances during the 2025–26 season, helping the Italian side secure an 11th-place finish.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and no final determination regarding the alleged drug test has been announced pending the results of further laboratory analysis.
