Udinese Appoint Fabio Cannavaro As New Manager For Rest Of Season

Cannavaro will replace Gabriele Cioffi, who was sacked on Monday after Udinese dropped to 17th position on the Serie A table after a 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Hellas Verona.

Only goal difference separates Udinese and the relegation zone in a season which has brought just four wins in the top flight.

“Udinese is pleased to welcome the world champion and 2006 Ballon d’Or winner who will lead the team until the end of the football season,” read a statement on Udinese’s website.

“There is no need to recall the exploits on the field of one of the greatest players in the history of Italian football.

“Cannavaro is a young and prepared coach of international stature who has already had the opportunity to test his abilities, also abroad.

“The club has identified in his experience on the field and technique and in his undisputed leadership the suitable figure to lead the team to the goal of salvation.”

The 50-year-old has previously spent time coaching in the Middle East and Asia, taking charge of sides like Al-Ahli, Guangzhou Evergrande, Al-Nassr and Tianjin Quanjian and Serie B side Benevento.

He also managed the China national team briefly in 2019.

Cannavaro led Guangzhou to the Chinese league title in 2019 and finished runners up on two occasions. He also won the Chinese FA Cup in 2018.

A Ballon D'or winner in 2006, Cannavaro played for the likes of Parma, Napoli, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid during his career.

Cannavaro was captain of the Italy national team when they won the FIFA World Cup in 2006.