Four-time Champions League-winning manager Ancelotti donned a furry hat and gown as he picked up his honorary doctorate at the University of Parma.
He was awarded an Honorary Master’s in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activity to celebrate his 44 years in the beautiful game.
Ancelotti’s degree came from the University’s prestigious Medicine and Surgery Department.
And at Wednesday’s ceremony, he delivered a speech titled ‘Football, a way of life’.
Ancelotti, 64, received his award with ex-AC Milan managers Arrigo Sacchi and Ariedo Braida in the crowd.
The tactician received a standing ovation as he thanked family and friends.
But his Real Madrid stars may now have to start calling him “Doctor Ancelotti” instead of “boss.”
The former Premier League winner with Chelsea said: “Sport has been a great school of life for me.
“Some will say that I have taken few tests; in reality I have taken many and every three days I take more.
“I will say to my players ‘you can call me doctor’. The strength of football is not in the individual, it is in the group.
“It is not the work, it is more the passion, which has allowed me to dedicate myself to football for 44 years and which you can’t buy on the market.
“The unpredictability of this sport gives me a strong passion. It has never represented a sacrifice or a job.
“I was like that at 15 years old, it’s still how I am today. If you don’t have passion, you can’t express yourself 100 per cent.”
