Italian football legend and 2006 Worl Cup Champion, has stunned the football world by being appointment as the new head coach of Uzbekistan’s national team.
The Uzbekistan Football Federation confirmed the appointment on Monday, October 6, 2025., marking a major steps as the nation looks to strengthen it bid for success in upcoming AFC competitions and the Asia Cup qualifiers.
His appointment comes after brief and turbulent spell with Dinamo Zagreb, where he managed just 14 matches before being dismissed in April 2025.
Despite short tenure, the return to management has been eagerly anticipated across Europe and Asia alike.
Cannavaro, 52, steps in following the departure of Timur Kapadldze, who guided the team to qualification after taking over midway through the campaign from Srecko Katanec, who resigned due to health reason.
Uzbekistan’s qualification campaign was nothing short of exceptional – losing only once in 15 matches and securing 21 points from 10 games in their third round.
Their consistency would have ensured qualification even World Cup had not expanded to 48 teams.
For a nation that had long flirted with continental promise but fallen short of global stage, Cannavaro’s arrival signals ambition and a move that blends experience and technical rigor with Uzbekistan’s energetic and technical playing style.
The 2006 World Cup winning captain and Ballon d’0r recipient, Gannavaro brings with him the mentally of an elite defender and leader.
His coaching mentally, and philosophy has evolved across diverse footballing landscapes, from Europe to Middle East and Asia.
-9News Nigeria.
