Australia star Volpato fails drug test after Sydney arrest

Media reports have revealed that Australian national team player Cristian Volpato was detained in Sydney after being caught speeding twice during the night. New South Wales Police said they detained a 22-year-old man, widely identified by local media as Volpato, who plays professionally in Italy.

Police stated that Volpato passed an alcohol test during the first stop and received a traffic citation, but was stopped again two hours later and underwent a drug test that returned a positive result for cocaine. A second sample was sent for further analysis, and his international driving license was suspended for six months, revoking his driving privileges in New South Wales.

Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A, played three matches for Australia in the 2026 World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia shortly before the finals. Born in Sydney, Volpato previously represented Italy at youth level before moving to Italy.

Meanwhile, Tony Basha, who coached Volpato in Sydney, denied that the player had taken cocaine or any other banned substance, stating that Volpato is shocked by the accusation and maintains his innocence.