Australian World Cup star Cristian Volpato allegedly tested positive for cocaine after he was pulled over for speeding in Sydney on Friday, police and reports said.
A New South Wales police statement said a 22-year-old man – widely identified as Italy-based Volpato by local media – was allegedly caught speeding twice overnight.
He passed a roadside breath test on the first occasion and was issued an infringement notice before being pulled over again two hours later.
This time he was drug tested and returned a positive result for cocaine, police claimed, with a second sample sent for further analysis.
"His international driver's licence was suspended for a period of six months, withdrawing his driving privileges in NSW," police said.
Volpato, who plays for Serie A side Sassuolo, made three appearances for the Socceroos at the World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia shortly before the tournament.
He was born and raised in Sydney before moving overseas and represented Italy at various youth levels.
Tony Basha, a Sydney-based coach who trained Volpato before he moved to Italy and remains a mentor, told the Sydney Morning Herald the attacking midfielder denied taking cocaine or any other illicit substance.
"He was adamant he didn't touch it," Basha said. "He was shocked. I'm shocked because it's a big allegation."