The report says Volpato was stopped by police on 24 July, with both an initial roadside test and a second sample returning positive results. Volpato has maintained that he did not knowingly ingest cocaine.
That distinction is central. A positive test records the presence of a substance, but it does not alone establish how it entered the body or prove deliberate use. The reported fine and decision of no further action therefore leave the case short of a formal football suspension.
For Sassuolo, the immediate issue is likely to be trust and selection rather than availability. The report says Volpato later tested negative after returning to Italy, giving the club a separate result to consider as it assesses the situation.
Volpato’s international profile makes the story more significant than a routine club disciplinary matter. The Sydney-born midfielder reportedly changed allegiance from Italy to Australia before the World Cup, later joining the Socceroos squad and contributing as they reached the last 16.
That background means any interruption to his club momentum could also affect his international prospects. At the same time, the absence of further action leaves room for his career to continue without a formal sporting penalty attached to the incident.
The next selection decision at Sassuolo will be the clearest indication of how the club views the matter. Volpato’s return to regular Serie A involvement, followed by Australia’s next international squad, will show whether the episode remains an off-field controversy or becomes a lasting factor in his development.