TASHKENT: Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro has been named the new head coach of Uzbekistan as the team prepares for its maiden FIFA World Cup appearance next year, the Uzbekistan Football Association announced on Monday.
Cannavaro, who famously captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, takes over from Timur Kapadze, who guided Uzbekistan to qualification earlier this year. The 52-year-old brings a wealth of international experience, though his managerial record has been mixed.
His most recent stint with Dinamo Zagreb lasted less than four months, ending in April. Cannavaro has previously managed clubs in China, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, and briefly served as caretaker manager of the Chinese national team in 2019.
In a statement, the Uzbek FA hailed Cannavaro as “a renowned specialist, one of the best defenders of his generation,” expressing confidence that his leadership will inspire the team as they embark on their first-ever World Cup campaign.
