# Leonardo Pavoletti football career transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leonardo-pavoletti-football-career-transition > Updated: 2026-10-15T14:37:59.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Former Cagliari captain and Italian striker Leonardo Pavoletti is transitioning from his playing career into football management. Initially, it was reported that Pavoletti had been admitted to a FIGC technical sector course at Coverciano to train as a sports director. The program, involving 144 hours of instruction, is designed to qualify individuals for managerial roles across all levels of Italian football. Following this, Pavoletti officially announced his retirement from professional football via a letter published by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. He stated, “I have decided to say goodbye to football,” citing uncertainty caused by a knee injury. While expressing serenity regarding the decision, he noted, “Although I still leave a small door open.” His retirement marks the end of a career that spanned from Serie D to Serie A, including stints with Napoli, Sassuolo, Genoa, and the Italian national team. He intends to pursue his goal of becoming a sporting director. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Leonardo Pavoletti announces retirement from professional football Italian striker Leonardo Pavoletti has announced his retirement from professional football, citing a knee injury and preparing for a new career as a sporting director. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-pavoletti-announces-retirement-from-professional-football ### 2026-10-09: Leonardo Pavoletti begins training to become a sports director Former Cagliari captain Leonardo Pavoletti has joined a FIGC course at Coverciano to qualify as a sports director, beginning a 144-hour training program to transition into football management. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-pavoletti-begins-training-to-become-a-sports-director --- Cite as: Leonardo Pavoletti football career transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leonardo-pavoletti-football-career-transition