Socceroos and Sassuolo forward Cristian Volpato has been fined $722 after a secondary police test confirmed a positive reading for cocaine. NSW Police issued the 22-year-old a Traffic Infringement Notice on September 1, 2026, following a traffic stop on Sydney's Anzac Bridge on July 24, where Volpato was also caught driving 109km/h in a 60km/h zone. Although an independent clinic test initially returned a negative result, the secondary oral fluid test confirmed the presence of the illicit drug.

Volpato maintains his innocence, stating he never knowingly ingested the substance, and a subsequent test in Italy with Sassuolo returned negative. Football Australia is seeking independent verification and managing the matter under established protocols. The case draws comparisons to A-League Women goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey, who received a three-game ban for a positive cannabis test last year.

Volpato's availability for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and friendlies against Brazil remains uncertain pending a potential disciplinary hearing. Coach Tony Popovic declined to speculate on selection, emphasizing the need to follow due process.