Volpato’s Australia career in doubt after positive cocaine test

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Sep 9, 2026 11:59 AM ET

Sassuolo and Australia international Cristian Volpato could be suspended after police announced a secondary test was also positive for cocaine.

The 22-year-old was stopped in New South Wales when speeding at almost twice the limit on September 1, doing 109km/h in a 60km/h zone.

He returned a positive roadside reading for cocaine and was handed a $722 fine.

Cocaine found in Volpato’s system

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 03: Cristian Volpato #20 of Australia celebrates the team’s first goal scored an own goal by Mohamed Hany #3 (not pictured) of Egypt during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Volpato denied knowingly taking the substance, and his club confirmed a test when he returned to Italy had been negative.

However, today police confirmed that the secondary test taken at the scene also came back positive for cocaine.

Although there is no further legal action to be taken in Australia, it could well affect his playing career for the Socceroos.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 19: Cristian Volpato #20 of Australia controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

“Football Australia has been made aware of information concerning a reported secondary oral test result relating to one of our players. We are currently seeking independent verification,” read a statement from the Federation.

“The matter is being managed in accordance with Football Australia’s established protocols. To protect the integrity of this process and ensure procedural fairness, we will not comment further.”

It is within their rights to suspend the player from international football for violating the disciplinary and ethics code of conduct.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Volpato of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Volpato was born in Australia to Italian parents, and moved back to Italy in January 2020 to join the Roma youth academy.

He was sold to Sassuolo in 2023 and had represented Italy at various youth levels before switching his allegiance to Australia in June 2026, right on the eve of the World Cup.

He now has four caps for the Socceroos, with three of them in the World Cup.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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