Gilardino to retire?

By Football Italia staff

World Cup winner Alberto Gilardino has reportedly decided to retire, after scoring 273 goals across his career.

The veteran striker has taken an FIGC course to become a Coach, but was considering one more season as a player.

There was an offer on the table from Serie C side Pro Piacenza, but Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he has decided to hang up his boots.

Gilardino scored 188 Serie A goals, putting him ahead of Gabriel Batistuta and level with Alessandro Del Piero and Beppe Signori.

His clubs included Piacenza, Verona, Parma, Milan, Fiorentina, Genoa and Bologna and he won the Champins League with the Rossoneri in 2007.

Perhaps his greatest achievement though game for the Azzurri, for whom he scored 19 goals in 60 caps.

Gilardino scored against the United States in the Group Stage at the 2006 World Cup, with Italy going on to lift the trophy.

He also set up Alessandro Del Piero’s goal against Germany in the semi-final.

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow