This year, Uzbekistan’s national team clinched its first-ever FIFA World Cup berth. While this milestone opens a new chapter for the country’s football, the core task now is to prepare thoroughly for the World Cup and perform with dignity. To that end, the Uzbekistan Football Association conducted an in-depth review of candidates with major-tournament experience and—based on the coaches’ council’s conclusions—moved to sign Fabio Cannavaro.
Today, at the National Football Center, the contract with Cannavaro was officially signed. It was emphasized that the coach and his staff were selected after extensive analysis, scouting, and past-experience assessment. The UFA leadership expressed confidence that the Italian’s tournament know-how and management style will deliver successful results with the national team.
In his first statement, Cannavaro acknowledged the responsibility:
Who is Cannavaro and why is he valuable?
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As a player: WC–2006 champion with Italy, the same year’s Ballon d’Or winner, and FIFA’s “World Player of the Year.”
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As a coach: China NT, Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Tianjin Quanjian, Guangzhou Evergrande, plus Italy’s Benevento, Udinese, and Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb.
His staff will include:
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Eugenio Albarella — assistant coach (experience with Japan NT, Juventus, Udinese, Dinamo Zagreb);
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Ciccio Troise Francesco — fitness coach (Benevento, Udinese, Dinamo Zagreb);
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Antonio Chimenti — goalkeeper coach (Italy youth NT, Sampdoria, SPAL).
What to expect?
With the core retained: intensify competition, apply opponent-specific tactical adaptation, boost set-piece efficiency, and energize domestic scouting — the near-term pillars. The aim is clear: credible World Cup play and a route to the knockouts.
In short, a symbolic page is turned and a new chapter begins. From now on, judgments are made on the pitch — the team will speak through belief, discipline, and results.
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