Fabio Cannavaro Expresses Desire to Coach Italian National Team
Fabio Cannavaro has revealed his aspiration to coach the Italian national team and expressed confusion over Udinese’s decision not to retain him in 2024.
With quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the World Cup-winning captain spoke on Sky Sport Italia’s Calcio Unplugged. Currently, he oversees Uzbekistan, having guided them at their inaugural World Cup this summer.
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“My goal and my dream, which is normal, is to coach in Italy and to coach the national team,” Cannavaro stated. “I’m working for that, not to travel the world and go to Asia. I want to work hard to achieve important objectives.”
Udinese’s coach Fabio Cannavaro reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match Udinese Calcio vs AS Roma at the Friuli – Dacia Arena stadium in Udine, Italy, 25 April 2024. EPA-EFE/GABRIELE MENIS
Cannavaro Discusses Udinese Departure and Coaching Aspirations
Cannavaro previously held a single Serie A role at Udinese, where he stepped in with five games remaining in the 2023-24 season and successfully kept the club in the top league. However, he was not retained.
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“I had a taste of Serie A in five games, saving Udinese. 99% of the time they keep you on. With me, a different choice was made, and I accepted it,” he noted. “It wasn’t explained to me, but I saw it as an experience I was given at a fantastic club, where a coach has everything he needs to improve and do well.”
His remarks follow Udinese’s decision to dismiss Kosta Runjaic and appoint Paolo Zanetti.
The 53-year-old has also held coaching positions at Al-Nassr, Guangzhou Evergrande, and the China national team. “I would make these choices again, because today I have an international background that has helped me grow as a person and as a coach.”
EDMONTON, CANADA – JUNE 1: Head coach Fabio Cannavaro of Uzbekistan looks on as Ralph Priso #28 of Canada and Farrukh Sayfiev #4 of Uzbekistan run after a loose ball during their international friendly match at Commonwealth Stadium on June 1, 2026 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
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With the Asian Cup postponed, Cannavaro’s future in Uzbekistan remains unclear. “I’ve already met the president. I’m definitely enjoying the experience here a lot, but at the same time I want to coach,” he remarked. “It’s a country that’s investing a huge amount in youth academies. At the last camp, I gave a debut to a 17-year-old.”
Cannavaro also reflected on what he misses about club management. “The day-to-day for a coach is different. It’s what gives you adrenaline every day: you see the player every day, you talk to him, you try to help him grow and improve, and to prepare for games,” he said.
“Working as a national team coach is like a Neapolitan coffee. It’s short; you have 10 days in which you can’t make a mistake, and you have to find a solution. It’s very stimulating.”
