Football
Associated Press 6y

Andrea Pirlo, Gabriel Batistuta among ex-players to earn coaching badges in Italy

Andrea Pirlo is one step closer to becoming a football manager after obtaining his UEFA coaching badge on Thursday.

The 39-year-old Pirlo was among several ex-players to obtain their badges after completing a course at the Italian football federation's training complex in Coverciano.

Former Italy forward Alberto Gilardino, who lifted the World Cup alongside Pirlo in 2006, also completed the FIGC Settore Tecnico course with other ex-Serie A footballers, including Gabriel Batistuta, Paolo Cannavaro and Thiago Motta.

Pirlo retired from playing in July, ending his career at New York City FC after having helped AC Milan and Juventus win a combined six Serie A titles, and capturing two Champions League crowns with the Rossoneri.

The qualification means they can coach men's teams up to the Italian third division and any youth or women's sides.

They can also be assistant managers in Serie A and B, but need further study before they can take on the main job in the men's top two divisions.

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