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Former Manchester United striker Guiseppe Rossi fails drugs test, say Italy anti-doping agency

Guiseppe Rossi
Image: Guiseppe Rossi was a Manchester United academy graduate

Former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi's injury-plagued career has taken another negative turn with a positive doping test.

Italy's anti-doping agency Nado Italia announced on Tuesday Rossi will face a hearing on October 1 after testing positive for an eye drug that can be used as a masking agent.

The anti-doping prosecutor is seeking a one-year ban.

The test was taken in May while Rossi played for Genoa at the end of the last Serie A season.

Rossi, who made 14 appearances while at Old Trafford after graduating from the club's youth system, is currently out of contract.

Guiseppe Rossi in action for Manchester United
Image: Rossi in action for United

Dorzolamide, the substance Rossi tested positive for, is not banned when administered with eye drops but he told anti-doping authorities he did not use eye drops when he was questioned twice, in June and July.

Rossi had no immediate comment.

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The 31-year-old was born in the United States but played for Italy from 2008-14, making 30 appearances. His career has been slowed by a series of knee injuries.

After starting his career with United, Rossi had loan spells with Newcastle and Parma before being transferred to Spanish side Villarreal - where he stayed for six seasons.

He returned to Italy to play for Fiorentina, but was loaned twice to Spain - spending time at Levante and Celta Vigo.

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