World Cup-winning Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro has been named the new head coach of Uzbekistan’s national football team as the Central Asian nation gears up for its first-ever World Cup appearance next year.
The Uzbekistan Football Association confirmed the appointment on Monday, describing Cannavaro as “a renowned specialist and one of the best defenders of his generation.”
Cannavaro, 52, famously captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, cementing his status as one of football’s all-time great defenders.
However, his coaching career has been less glittering, featuring short stints across China, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and most recently Dinamo Zagreb, where he lasted less than four months before parting ways in April.
He replaces Timur Kapadze, who led Uzbekistan to their historic World Cup qualification in June.
The Italian’s appointment signals Uzbekistan’s ambition to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage.
