Cristian Volpato Faces Scrutiny After Second Positive Drug Test
Cristian Volpato’s rapid rise with the Socceroos has been jolted by confirmation a second sample has tested positive for cocaine after a roadside stop on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge in July.
The Sydney Morning Herald revealed the development on Wednesday, with Football Australia acknowledging the situation but stressing it wants the results independently checked.
“We are currently seeking independent verification,” a Football Australia spokesperson said.
NSW Police later confirmed the details in a statement to nine.com.au, outlining what unfolded on the night of July 21.
“He was subjected to a roadside drug test which allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine,” the statement read. “A secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis.
“Following inquiries, on Tuesday 1 September 2026, a 22-year-old man was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for drive motor vehicle with illicit drug present in oral fluid etc with a $722 fine.”
Volpato’s camp is preparing to fight.
His lawyer, Paul McGirr, told the Herald the 22-year-old is considering an appeal, insisting the midfielder has never knowingly taken the drug.
“Our client has never touched cocaine and strenuously denies consuming it ever,” McGirr said.
Volpato has reportedly told people close to him he believes his drink may have been spiked that night. That claim will now hang over any legal challenge and any integrity assessment from the game’s governing bodies.
Speeding, suspension and a flight to Italy
The drug infringement isn’t the only issue arising from that night on Anzac Bridge.
Volpato has already had his international driver’s licence suspended for six months after being clocked at almost 50km/h over the speed limit on July 21. He was stopped twice in the same spot on the same night while driving a BMW across the bridge, telling authorities he had been at a party in Sydney’s CBD.
Within 24 hours of being charged, Volpato boarded a flight to Italy to rejoin Sassuolo, where he has been trying to let his football do the talking.
On the pitch, he started the Serie A season brightly, scoring two goals in Sassuolo’s first five matches. That momentum stalled over the weekend when he picked up a hamstring injury, another setback at the worst possible time.
Socceroos plans hit by injury and investigation
The injury is expected to keep him out of contention for the Socceroos’ upcoming clashes with Brazil in Queensland later this month, just as his off-field situation intensifies.
Coach Tony Popovic addressed the issue carefully at a press conference on Tuesday, acknowledging both the player’s youth and the seriousness of the matter.
“These young men, things happen and you can get caught for something that we have to look into,” Popovic said. “There is a process that’s playing out at the moment about that, and we need to follow that process.”
For now, that process sits alongside the medical reports on his hamstring and the looming decision on whether he will challenge the $722 infringement.
From World Cup breakout to unwanted headlines
Volpato’s situation marks a sharp turn from the euphoria of earlier this year, when he emerged as one of Australia’s breakout stars at the World Cup. The attacking midfielder, who rejected the chance to represent Italy and pledged his international future to Australia, was quickly framed as one of the brightest talents of his generation.
Now, the conversation has changed.
The promise remains, the talent is not in question, but the next steps — on and off the field — will determine whether this episode becomes a footnote in a long career or the moment that shapes it.
