Australian international footballer Cristian Volpato is alleged to have tested positive for cocaine after being stopped by police during a traffic operation in Sydney.
According to a statement from New South Wales Police, a 22-year-old man identified by local media as the Sassuolo midfielder was allegedly caught speeding twice overnight on Friday.
Police said the driver was initially stopped, passed a roadside breathalyser test and was issued with a traffic infringement notice before being allowed to continue.
Approximately two hours later, officers allegedly stopped the same driver again for speeding. On this occasion, he underwent a roadside drug test, which police claim returned a positive result for cocaine.
Authorities said a second sample has been sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the initial test result.
Police also confirmed that the driver's international licence was suspended for six months, preventing him from driving in New South Wales during that period.
Volpato, who plays for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo, represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy shortly before the tournament. The Sydney-born midfielder had previously represented Italy at youth level before choosing to play for the Socceroos.
Sydney-based football coach Tony Basha, who trained Volpato before his move to Italy and remains one of his mentors, said the player strongly denied using cocaine or any other illegal substance.
Basha told the Sydney Morning Herald that Volpato was adamant he had not taken any illicit drugs and was shocked by the allegation. He added that he was also surprised by the claim, describing it as a serious accusation.
Laboratory analysis of the second sample is expected to determine whether the initial roadside drug test result is confirmed.