Cristian Volpato fined after testing positive for cocaine in Sydney traffic stop

A routine stop on Sydney's Anzac Bridge turned into a rough week for Cristian Volpato. The 22-year-old midfielder, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy's Serie A, was fined by New South Wales police after a traffic checkpoint on July 24 returned a positive result for cocaine.

According to police, the initial reading at the checkpoint already showed the result, and a second sample taken at the same time confirmed it. The fine was set at 722 Australian dollars (roughly 520 US dollars), and authorities made clear the case will carry no further legal consequences.

What stood out is that Volpato didn't stay quiet about it. Born in Sydney, the midfielder spoke with Football Australia staff and maintained that he never knowingly took the substance. In fact, once he was back in Italy he underwent another test, and according to Sassuolo, the result came back negative.

I never knowingly took that substance.Cristian Volpato

The situation comes at a tricky time for the player. So far this season he has featured in just three matches for Sassuolo, and he couldn't even finish the most recent one, against Bologna, due to a hamstring issue.

From the Italian national team to the Socceroos

Volpato's name made headlines months ago over a decision that didn't go unnoticed: he switched his international eligibility, turning his back on Italy to represent Australia right before the World Cup. It wasn't a small gesture, considering the Azzurri missed out on the last World Cup for a third straight time.

The gamble paid off. Added to the Socceroos squad at the last minute, Volpato made an immediate impact and was part of an Australian side that reached the round of sixteen, advancing to the knockout stage.

Now, with the fine paid and the matter administratively closed, the lingering question is how the Sassuolo locker room is processing the news, right as the player tries to get back to full fitness and find some consistency in Serie A.