This year, our national team made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the very first time. This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter for Uzbek football, and the next major goal is to ensure thorough preparation and a strong performance at the tournament.
The Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) carefully reviewed candidates with experience in major international tournaments such as the World Cup. Based on the analytical conclusions of the Coaches Council, the UFA began negotiations and has now officially signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro.
The signing ceremony took place today at the National Football Center. During the meeting, it was emphasized that the selection of this coaching staff followed a long and detailed analysis. Confidence was expressed that Cannavaro’s experience and expertise gained from major tournaments will contribute to achieving success together with the Uzbekistan national team.
The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro, a three-time FIFA World Cup participant, 2006 World Cup winner, one of the finest defenders of his generation, and a renowned specialist. The Italian coach will lead our team’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Cannavaro will be assisted by the following staff members:
— Eugenio Albarella — Assistant Coach (formerly with the Japan national team, Juventus, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb);
— Francesco Troise — Fitness Coach (previously worked with Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb);
— Antonio Chimenti — Goalkeeping Coach (former coach of Italy’s youth national teams, Sampdoria, and SPAL).
“First of all, I would like to thank you for the trust placed in me. It is a great honor — and at the same time, a huge responsibility — to work in a football-loving country like Uzbekistan. Seeing not only the senior national team but also youth and junior teams participating in World Cups clearly shows the strong commitment to football development in Uzbekistan. I will do my utmost to contribute to the success of the Uzbekistan national team,” said Fabio Cannavaro.
For reference, Cannavaro, as a player, won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy and was awarded both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year title that same year.
As a head coach, he has managed China’s national team, Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), Tianjin Quanjian (China), Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Benevento (Italy), Udinese (Italy), and Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia).
