Next Juventus boss? Alessandro Del Piero takes BIG step towards potential return after earning coaching licence

Former Juventus forward Del Piero announced on Instagram that, after years of studying, he has officially completed his coaching qualifications. The Italian was presented his thesis at the Coverciano Centre in Florence on May 21 and thanked his mentors and family for their support.

After leaving Juventus in 2012, Del Piero spent a few years playing for Sydney FC and Delhi Dynamos. He later decided to follow in the footsteps of his former Juve and Italy team-mates, Antonio Conte and Andrea Pirlo, by pursuing his coaching licences. Alongside his studies, Del Piero has been working as a pundit for Sky Sport Italia and CBS Sports. Now, with his coaching qualifications complete, he is ready to move from the studio to the sidelines and begin his journey as a full-time head coach.

Del Piero shared a post on Instagram, announcing that he can now officially be called "Mister". He expressed gratitude to the Italian Football Federation, writing: "Thanks to the FIGC and all the teachers who accompanied me on this course. A special thanks to my children and my wife for the support they’ve given me throughout these years of study, and for the wonderful surprise they gave me today in Florence by showing up for my thesis presentation."

Del Piero will likely look to start his coaching career at youth level, where a stint at Juventus Primavera or other Italian clubs could be a perfect launch pad for the ex-Italy international. Juve will be looking for a new first-team manager at the end of the season, with Igor Tudor having only been in place on an interim basis. It seems unlikely, however, that Del Piero would be thrust into the spotlight of the top job in Turin, even with his history as a player at the Serie A giants.