Uzbekistan National Team Makes Surprising Decision: Legendary Italian Player Fabio Cannavaro Named Head Coach

Chas Pravdy - 06 October 2025 18:45

In a surprising and strategically significant move, the Uzbekistan Football Federation has appointed the renowned former Italian football star and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro as the new head coach of the national team.

This announcement sent shockwaves through the global football community, as the team was previously preparing for qualifiers under a different coach.

The 52-year-old former defender’s contract is valid until the end of the 2026 World Cup, which the team will participate in for the first time.

Cannavaro’s coaching staff also includes Italian specialists Eugenio Albarella, Francesco Trusat, and Antonio Kimenti.

The Uzbekistan national team initially began its World Cup qualification campaign under the guidance of Slovenian Srećko Katanec but had to replace him early this year due to health issues.

Temporarily, Timur Kapanadze led the team during this transitional period, but the federation decided to aim higher by appointing a globally renowned professional – Fabio Cannavaro.

Known for his defensive skills, Cannavaro led Italy to victory at the 2006 World Cup and received the prestigious Ballon d’Or in the same year.

After retiring from playing, he embarked on a coaching career, working in the Middle East and Asia, with recent stints at Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb.

With the 2026 World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the appointment of Cannavaro offers Uzbekistan an opportunity to elevate their national team and enhance their competitiveness on the world stage.

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