Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old midfielder for the Socceroos, is facing accusations of testing positive for cocaine following two separate speeding incidents in Sydney on a single night. Authorities pulled over the athlete while he was driving a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at approximately 11:05pm on Thursday. Records indicate he was traveling at speeds significantly higher than the 60km/h limit. While his initial breath analysis was clean, a follow-up stop two hours later—where he was clocked driving at 109km/h in the same zone—resulted in a positive roadside drug test.
New South Wales police have suspended Volpato’s international driving privileges for six months and issued him a fine for speeding. Officials noted that an additional oral fluid sample has been collected for laboratory verification as the investigation remains ongoing. Volpato, who transitioned from Italian youth programs to represent Australia this past May, participated in three of the team’s four matches during their recent World Cup campaign. Currently signed with Serie A club Sassuolo, the midfielder appeared in 24 league games last season. Both Football Australia and his club have been contacted for comment regarding the situation.
