Former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero has hinted at a possible coaching career move.
The legendary Italian, who turned 40 last November, has had an impressive 22-year-long playing career since Padova in Serie B and concluded in Delhi Dynamos last year.
Del Piero lives and breathes football and having enjoyed huge success with Juventus, the player is in search of his next challenge.
“Until three or four years ago, it [coaching] hadn’t even crossed my mind,” said Del Piero in an interview given to FIFA.com.
“Perhaps because I was so focused on being a player.
“But after I called time on my playing career in Italy, the subsequent experiences I’ve had — including getting the chance to travel and see things done differently — got me thinking about becoming a coach.
“It’s a tough role to take on, but without doubt a fascinating one.
“I don’t know. Perhaps. It’s a small door that was previously shut but is now slightly ajar.”
The player also spoke about the talent crisis that Italian football is facing.
“Italian football is currently going through a difficult period. It’s not at the level it would like to be, as we don’t have the teams we had 10 or 15 years ago. Italy are under a lot of pressure right now,” said Del Piero.
“People are talking about a talent crisis because our clubs are struggling to compete in Europe.
“Personally I believe there’s a big difference between Italy and other countries, both in terms of the football being played as well as organisation and systems within the game.
“That said, Italy has always found ways to respond, and I’m certain that we’ll soon see Italian clubs competing again for European honors and our national team having success once more.”
