Socceroos forward Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped while driving at almost 50km/h over the speed limit in Sydney.
Details of the incident
Volpato was allegedly driving a BMW Coupe at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone across Anzac Bridge about 1.10am on Friday. The 22-year-old was subjected to a roadside drug test which allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. A secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis, while NSW police confirmed it will continue its inquiries.
Penalties and previous stop
Volpato was reportedly issued an infringement notice for speeding and has had his international driver’s licence suspended for six months, meaning he cannot drive in New South Wales. He has not been charged with a criminal offence. Police allege that Volpato was also stopped two hours earlier on Anzac Bridge, west of Sydney’s CBD, and issued an infringement notice after allegedly driving more than 20km/h over the speed limit. He was subjected to a roadside alcohol breath test at about 11.05pm Thursday, which returned a negative result.
Football career and background
Football Australia has been contacted for comment. Volpato plays football for Italian club Sassuolo and represented Italy at under-19 and under-20 level before switching his international allegiance to Australia on the eve of the World Cup. He made three appearances for the Socceroos at the tournament and provided an attacking threat as the side progressed from the group stage as runners-up before being knocked out by Egypt in the last 32.
Volpato was born and raised in Sydney and played junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers before moving overseas to join Serie A club Roma. He left Roma after two seasons to join Sassuolo where he has scored seven goals in three seasons, before making his mark with the Socceroos and shaping up as a key to the national side’s future.
