Rivera certified at 76

Gianni Rivera could potentially take charge of the next Serie A team to dump their manager after the former Italy attacker and AC Milan hero earned Europe’s most important coaching licence at the tender age of 76. Rivera, a Ballon d’Or winner in 1969 and former Member of the European parliament, was one of the “famous faces”, alongside 2006 World Cup winner Mauro Camoranesi, announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to have gained the Italian equivalent of the ‘UEFA Pro’ licence, which enables him to coach in Italy’s top division. According to the Gazzetta however, Rivera, who won the 1968 European championships with Italy and two European Cups with Milan, is not interested in a top coaching role and simply wants to remain “up-to-date” with the football’s inner workings. Other big names to have gained the UEFA Pro licence include former Brazil midfielder Toninho Cerezo, now 64, and former Arsenal and Barcelona full-back Sylvinho.