Australia international Cristian Volpato is back in training with Sassuolo after several tests returned negative results, days after an alleged preliminary roadside finding for cocaine. According to The Guardian’s original report, the 22-year-old was stopped after allegedly driving at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge. A secondary oral-fluid sample was sent for further analysis, and its result has not been made public.
Two stops in a matter of hours
Police allege that Volpato was first stopped at around 11.05pm on 23 July after exceeding the 60 km/h speed limit by more than 20 km/h. He returned a negative breath-alcohol test and received an infringement notice. Approximately two hours later, officers reportedly stopped the same BMW coupé after recording it at 109 km/h.
A preliminary roadside drug screening allegedly produced a positive indication for cocaine during the second stop. Volpato received another speeding infringement, while his international driving licence was suspended for six months in New South Wales. He had not been charged with a criminal offence when the first reports were published.
Independent and club tests return negative results
According to a follow-up report by News.com.au, Volpato voluntarily underwent an independent drug test later that day and received a negative result. That result was reportedly submitted to Football Australia before he returned to Italy. Sassuolo subsequently arranged additional urine and blood examinations, all of which were also negative.
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The club stated: “Cristian Volpato has returned to the team as normal after undergoing the usual medical checks and specific urine and blood tests arranged in agreement with the player in recent days to assess his condition following the news that emerged in the press. All tests performed returned negative results.” The player has therefore resumed normal pre-season training. The club’s results do not, however, determine the outcome of the separate police analysis.
Football Australia offers its support
Football Australia has acknowledged the allegations and confirmed that it is assisting the player. According to a Reuters report published by The Straits Times, the federation said: “We have been in contact with the player and continue to monitor the matter and support the player throughout this process.” Professional Footballers Australia also confirmed that Volpato would receive support.
No football suspension has been announced by Sassuolo, Football Australia or another governing body. Any sporting consequences would depend on the relevant regulations, the circumstances of the incident and confirmed evidence. The preliminary roadside result should therefore not be presented as a final or laboratory-confirmed finding.
A rapid rise with the Socceroos
Volpato was born in Sydney but represented Italy at under-19 and under-20 level before switching his international allegiance to Australia. According to Football Australia’s official World Cup squad announcement, he entered the tournament without a senior international appearance. He subsequently played three times as Australia reached the round of 32.
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The winger remains under contract with Serie A club Sassuolo and has returned to preparations for the new Italian season. The negative independent and club tests represent a significant development, but they do not formally conclude the police process. That will depend on the analysis of the secondary sample and any subsequent decision by the New South Wales authorities.
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