“Sonia and I have become parents again,” announced the happy captain on his official website.

“Dorotea is born and we are very happy to share this wonderful event. Mother and child are doing well.

“We thank you for the numerous messages of affection. Alessandro.”

Del Piero and his wife Sonia already have a son, Tobias, who was born on October 22 2007.

The news comes on the same day that it was rumoured Buffon’s partner Alena Seredova is expecting a second child.

Channel4