Stephen Azzopardi, coach of Premier League outfit Birkirkara FC, was among 28 coaches who successfully attended the UEFA Professional Licence Course, called 'Corso Master', held in Coverciano, Italy.
The intensive course, spanning nine months, had a total duration of 240 hours and included visits to Chievo Verona, Juventus and Roma football clubs. Participants also had to submit a thesis as part of the requirements for the attainment of the Diploma. The thesis was analysed and discussed by a commission.
Azzopardi has thus succeeded in obtaining the highest coaching licence in European football, one which is recognised by all UEFA affiliated countries.
Several former Serie A professional players, the likes of Giuseppe Bergomi, Pierluigi Casiraghi, Alberigo Evani, Luca Fusi and Roberto Donadoni also successfully completed the course.
Former Milan great Franco Baresi was among the participants in this course but had to withdraw due to his commitments with his former club Fulham.