Giuseppe Rossi Fails Drug Test

[The Palace Fan]

Former Manchester United and Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi has avoided a suspension after testing positive for a banned substance in May.

The 31-year-old, currently a free agent after most recently playing for Genoa, was given a reprimand and a fine of 378 euros (£335) to cover costs at the hearing with Italy's national anti-doping organisation.

Rossi wrote on Twitter: "Today a nightmare of 4 months is over!. Now I want to think only about football and continue to do what I love more than anything else."

A statement on NADO Italia's official website read: "The First Section of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, in the disciplinary proceedings against Mr Giuseppe Rossi... inflicts the penalty of the blame and condemns Mr Rossi to pay the costs of the procedure quantified at a flat rate of Euros 378."

The hearing was announced last week after reports in Italy claiming the striker tested positive for dorzolamide following Genoa's game against Benevento in May.

The substance, which requires a therapeutic use exemption, is usually found in anti-glaucoma medication but can be used as a masking agent.

NADO Italia accepted he had no intention to cheat, according to reports in Italy. He always denied wrongdoing.

Rossi began his professional career in England with Manchester United and spent spells on loan at Newcastle and Parma.

He has also played for Villarreal and Fiorentina, spending loan spells at Levante and Celta Vigo, and won 30 caps for his country in a career hampered by injuries.