TASHKENT (UZBEKISTAN) (ITALPRESS) – Fabio Cannavaro is the new head coach of Uzbekistan, one of the 18 national teams already qualified for next year’s World Cup. The 52-year-old former captain of Italy’s 2006 World Cup–winning side has signed a two-year contract with the Uzbek Federation (currently ranked 54th in the latest FIFA rankings), with an option to extend for a further two seasons.
After an illustrious playing career — highlighted by a World Cup title, the Ballon d’Or, and the FIFA World Player of the Year award — Cannavaro represented clubs such as Parma, Juventus, and Real Madrid, following his beginnings at Napoli and a stint at Inter.
He began his coaching career in 2015 in China with Guangzhou Evergrande, where he was dismissed after 23 matches, before a short spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr. He later returned to China, managing Tianjin and then Guangzhou again, winning a league title.
He also briefly served as China’s interim national coach, replacing Marcello Lippi, but resigned after two defeats in as many games. In September 2022, he took over at Benevento before being dismissed. In April 2024, he coached Udinese for six matches, ensuring Serie A survival, and most recently managed Dinamo Zagreb from December 2024 to April 2025 before being let go.
Now, Cannavaro embarks on a new adventure as head coach of Uzbekistan.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
