Cristian Volpato's Socceroos fate uncertain after second sample confirms positive cocaine test

Cristian Volpato, the 22-year-old Australian-born midfielder currently playing for Sassuolo in Italy's Serie A, has had a second sample confirm an initial positive test for cocaine. The result, reported by The Guardian, puts his Socceroos ambitions in serious jeopardy and could trigger a lengthy ban under Football Australia's anti-doping code. Volpato, who has previously represented Italy at youth level before switching allegiance to Australia, was reportedly on the cusp of a senior national team call-up. The case will now proceed through anti-doping tribunals, with Sassuolo yet to comment publicly on whether they will take internal disciplinary action.