Fabio Cannavaro, the former World Cup-winning player, is set to take on an unlikely challenge as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team. The Italian legend, who has had a mixed managerial career, is expected to sign the contract within the next 24-48 hours, according to reports.
Cannavaro's managerial record
Cannavaro's last managerial stint saw him get sacked by Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb after just 14 games in charge, where he won seven, drew twice and lost five games. The Zagreb job was Cannavaro's fourth since he departed Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande in September 2021. However, none of Cannavaro's four latest gigs, which included stints as the head coach of China as well as Italian sides Benevento and Udinese, lasted longer than 17 games.
Cannavaro's second stint with Guangzhou was by far his longest and most successful. Appointed in November 2017, Cannavaro oversaw 132 games in charge of the Chinese outfit and finished with a record of 79 wins, 23 draws and 30 defeats. He also led Guangzhou to the Chinese Super League and the Chinese FA Super Cup in 2019 and 2018 respectively.
Uzbekistan's current head coach
For Uzbekistan to appoint Cannavaro, they would first have to sack incumbent head coach Timur Kapadze. Kapadze was brought back for his third stint as head coach of his nation in January 2025. However, his two previous spells in charge of Uzbekistan lasted nine games in total. Kapadze also concurrently managed Uzbekistan Super League club Olympic Tashkent from January 2021 until July 2024.
The 44-year-old's most recent run as Uzbekistan manager has by far been his most impactful given he helped the nation qualify for its first-ever World Cup.
Uzbekistan's World Cup qualification
The world No. 54 finished second in Group A of the Asian qualifiers with 21 points, two behind group winners Iran and six ahead of third-placed United Arab Emirates, who were consigned to the fourth stage of World Cup qualification. Uzbekistan lost only one of their ten games and conceded just seven goals, the equal second-fewest of all the Asian nations in the third round alongside Australia and South Korea. Only Japan conceded fewer, with a measly total of three.
Cannavaro's playing career
Although Kapadze guided Uzbekistan to World Cup qualification, he does not boast anywhere near the experience Cannavaro has at football's biggest tournament. The defender represented Italy at four World Cups, with his first being in 1998 and last in 2010. In total, he made 18 appearances and played every minute of every game he was available for, having missed only one game at the 2002 World Cup due to suspension.
Cannavaro had the honour of captaining Italy to glory in 2006, where they overcame France in a penalty shootout. As a player, Cannavaro was one of the greatest centre-backs in the game and holds the honour of being the last defender to have won the Ballon d'Or, which he achieved in 2006.
Despite his brilliance, Cannavaro didn't quite have the team trophies to match. He boasts only two LaLiga trophies and a Spanish Super Cup from his time at Real Madrid as well as two Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana and a UEFA Cup while at Parma.
