Police fine Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato after positive test for cocaine

SYDNEY — Cristian Volpato, who switched his international soccer allegiance from Italy to Australia just before the World Cup, was fined about $520 on Wednesday after police said he failed testing for cocaine use.

The 22-year-old Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A, was pulled over by New South Wales state police on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge on July 24 and returned a positive roadside reading for cocaine. Police said analysis of a second sample taken at the time also tested positive.

Volpato was handed a fine of 722 Australian dollars and will face no further action.

The Sydney-born midfielder maintained his innocence over the failed drug test when he spoke to Football Australia staff, saying he never knowingly ingested the substance. He also undertook a test when he returned to Italy which was negative, Sassuolo officials reported.

Volpato has played three matches for Sassuolo this season, but failed to finish a game against Bologna on Monday because of a reported hamstring injury.

He was a late inclusion for the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign and had a notable early impact as the Australian team progressed to the knockout stages. Italy didn't qualify for the third World Cup in a row.