Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his deep gratitude after receiving a special lifetime achievement award at the Panchina d’Oro ceremony held in Coverciano on Monday. The renowned Italian coach stated that it was “a source of great pride to receive recognition from my colleagues.”

The Panchina d’Oro, an annual award given to the best coach in Italy, is uniquely voted on by coaches across the Italian football hierarchy rather than journalists or fans. While Ancelotti was not eligible for the main award due to his current position outside of Italy, he was honored with this exceptional accolade.

Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi claimed the 2023-24 Panchina d’Oro trophy for his title-winning season with Inter. Gian Piero Gasperini and Vincenzo Italiano secured second and third places respectively.

Ancelotti’s lifetime achievement award holds particular significance, as it has only been presented to five previous recipients, with Luis Vicino being the last to receive it in 2016. The Real Madrid coach took to social media to express his feelings, stating, “It’s a real honor and a source of great pride to receive recognition from my colleagues. It was a wonderful day in Florence. Thank you all.”

The ceremony was attended by a host of notable figures in Italian football, including Antonio Conte, Simone and Pippo Inzaghi, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri, Cesc Fabregas, Fabio Cannavaro, and Raffaele Palladino, all gathered to witness Ancelotti receive this prestigious award.