Rome - New AC Milan helmsman Leonardo has begun a course to earn a coaching certificate from the Italian football federation (FIGC).

Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo, 39, took over the bench of Milan earlier this month after Carlo Ancelotti moved to Chelsea after eight seasons with the Devils.

Leonardo, a former Milan footballer, is taking a six-week course to become a second-category coach. He will then be entitled to attend a first-category course, also thanks to his participation to the 1994 World Cup with Brazil's national team.

The course is being held at the FICG technical centre in Coverciano, outside Florence. Also in attendance are former Serie A strikers Alessandro Altobelli, Beppe Signori, Marco Delvecchio and Francesco Baiano.(dpa)