Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia’s top-flight team, has announced the appointment of Fabio Cannavaro, a former Italian international, as its new coach.
The announcement was made Sunday in a statement posted on the club’s website.
“Fabio Cannavaro is the new coach of GNK Dinamo’s first team. This decision by the club’s management and the sports director was supported this evening by the club president and the executive board during the 15th session of the executive committee,” the statement partly read.
Cannavaror, a Juventus and Real Madrid defender, helped Italy win the World Cup in 2006.
Cannavaro received the Ballon d’Or that same year for his professional conduct and leadership abilities.
Dinamo is now third in the local league HNL with 29 points, trailing only table leaders Rijeka and Hajduk Split.
According to the club’s CEO, Zvonimir Manenica, the lack of results in the HNL prompted management to contemplate Cannavaro’s employment.
“The club’s management decided that we had to take necessary steps to stop this negative crisis because such poor results in the domestic league haven’t been seen in a long time. We thank Coach Bjelica for everything he has done. He gave his all and achieved great results in the Champions League, but the domestic league is the club’s priority, and unfortunately, the results there were lacking.
“We have the opportunity to take the club to the next level in Europe, but this is only possible by winning the title. We are aware of the risks and responsibilities, and this was not a hasty decision.
“It was carefully analysed to determine the best course of action without the daily pressures that come with Dinamo’s high ambitions. This is why we waited to make the decision after the match with Varaždin and took our time to decide calmly,” Manenica said, among others.
Cannavaro will join the first team on January 3, 2025, and will be officially presented.
The Italian tactician’s first test will be on January 22 when they travel to the Emirates Stadium in London for a Champions League match against Arsenal.
