Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro to lead Uzbekistan into debut World Cup finals campaign

Fabio Cannavaro has been appointed Uzbekistan head coach and will lead the country into its first ever World Cup finals campaign in North America next summer.

The 52-year-old, who made 136 appearances at the heart of Italy’s defence and captained the Azzurri to victory at the 2006 World Cup, takes over from former Uzbekistan international Timur Kapadze.

Appointed manager in January when Srecko Katanec, who had been in role for almost three and a half years, resigned due to health reasons. Six months later, Kapadze completed the job started by the Slovenian coach when a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia secured qualification.

Which other managers were considered for the Uzbekistan job?

Joachim Löw, who masterminded Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, and former Portugal and South Korea coach Paulo Bento were also considered for the role.

Cannavaro emerged as the preferred choice, however, as Uzbekistan sought a more experienced coach to take over from Kapadze for the World Cup 2026 finals campaign. The decision was announced by the Uzbekistan FA on social media.

“The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro – a renowned specialist, three-time Fifa World Cup participant, 2006 World Cup champion, and one of the best defenders of the modern era,” read a statement from the national association. 

“The Italian coach will lead our national team in preparation for the Fifa World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.”

Who is Fabio Cannavaro?

Cannavaro, who was dismissed from his most recent role in April, when he departed Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 matches, is widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs of the modern era. 

The Italian won the Ballon d’Or in 2006 and played for Napoli, Parma, Juventus, Inter Milan and Real Madrid over the course of a playing career that spanned two decades. He retired following a serious knee injury in July 2011, at which point he was just 16 matches into a two-year contract with the Dubai club Al-Ahl, with whom he subsequently began his coaching career.

Cannavaro went on to manage in Saudi Arabia and China – where he spent six weeks in charge of the national team in 2019 – before spells with Benevento and Udinese. Cannavaro’s brief stint at Dinamo Zagreb began last December.

He will be assisted by fellow countryman Eugenio Albarella, who has previously worked with the Japan national team as well as Juventus, Udinese and Dinamo Zagreb.

Francesco Troise, formerly with Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb, has been appointed fitness coach, while Antonio Chimenti, who has worked with Italian national youth teams, also joins Cannavaro’s team as goalkeeping coach.