Sassuolo winger Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine while driving
Quick summary
Sassuolo winger Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine during a roadside drug test while driving, according to reports.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSassuolo winger and Australia international Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped while driving over the speed limit during his summer break in Sydney.
Report: Volpato tests positive for cocaine after being caught speeding According to reports from The Guardian , Volpato was stopped while driving his BMW Coupe at 109 km/h, almost 50 km/h higher than the designated speed limit.
Volpato, 22, reportedly took a roadside drugs test, which has allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. A secondary sample has been taken and sent off for further analysis. Local authorities have confirmed that they will continue with their investigations.
The incident occurred at around 1.10 local time in the early hours of Friday morning.
As things stand, Volpato has not been charged with a criminal offence, but has reportedly had his international driver’s license suspended for six months, which prohibits him from driving in New South Wales.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: #7 of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Volpato was born and raised in Australia, but is of Italian descent and represented the Azzurri at U19, U20 and 21 level. He switched his allegiance back to Australia just before the beginning of the 2026 World Cup.
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What happened
Cristian Volpato, a winger at Serie B side Sassuolo, has reportedly tested positive for cocaine during a traffic stop. The allegation, sourced from Italian media, could lead to disciplinary action from both the club and Italian football authorities. No official statement from Sassuolo or Volpato has been confirmed at this stage. The incident, if confirmed, would represent a significant off-field issue for the 21-year-old Australian-Italian player, who has been a regular for Sassuolo this season.
Chance analysis
A positive drug test for cocaine is a serious disciplinary matter in Italian football, potentially carrying a ban of multiple years under FIGC anti-doping regulations. If the allegation is confirmed, Volpato faces suspension and Sassuolo lose a key attacking option, impacting their Serie B campaign. The 'allegedly' framing means this is still in the reporting phase, not an officially confirmed violation.
Sassuolo could lose a key winger to a lengthy suspension if the cocaine test is officially confirmed by authorities.
If confirmed, Volpato will be unavailable and Sassuolo's attacking depth takes a significant hit, but treat as low-confidence pending official response.