Fabio Cannavaro, the legendary Italian defender and captain of the 2006 World Cup-winning team, has embarked on a new chapter in his career by taking over as the head coach of Serie A strugglers Udinese.
Cannavaro’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture, with Udinese languishing just one point above the relegation zone with six matches remaining in the season. He succeeds Gabriele Cioffi, who was dismissed after a poor run of results that has left the club on the brink of dropping down to Serie B.
Cannavaro’s coaching experience to date has been limited to spells in China and the Middle East, but he will be assisted by his brother, Paolo, as his number one assistant. The former center-back, who won the Ballon d’Or after Italy’s triumph in the 2006 World Cup final, will make his debut on Thursday when Udinese’s match against Roma resumes after being suspended due to a medical emergency.
Cannavaro’s appointment represents the 13th coaching change in Serie A this season, highlighting the intense pressure and volatility within the Italian top flight.
