Udinese have appointed former Italy and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro as their new head coach. The 50-year-old replaces Gabriele Cioffi, who was sacked following a poor run of form that has left the club hovering just above the relegation zone.
Cannavaro, who won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy, has been out of management since leaving Benevento in February 2023. He has previously managed in China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The former defender has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season and will be tasked with guiding Udinese away from the relegation zone. His first game in charge will be away to Champions League-chasing Bologna on Sunday.
Udinese are currently 17th in Serie A, just one point above the relegation zone. They have won just one of their last five matches and have not won away from home since October.
Cannavaro will be hoping to use his experience and leadership to help Udinese avoid relegation. He will be assisted by his brother Paolo, who has been appointed as assistant manager, and Francesco Troise, who joins as a technical coach.
