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Fabio Cannavaro
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Fabio Cannavaro Ufficiale OMRI (Italian pronunciation: [ˈfaːbjo kannaˈvaːro]; born 13 September 1973) is an Italian professional football coach and former player who is the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team. He is regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time.[3][4]

Key Information

A centre-back, he spent the majority of his career in Italy. He started his career at Napoli before spending seven years at Parma, with whom he won two Coppa Italia titles, the 1999 Supercoppa Italiana, and the 1999 UEFA Cup. After spells at Inter Milan and Juventus, he transferred (along with manager Fabio Capello) from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2006, with whom he won consecutive La Liga titles in 2007 and 2008. He returned to Juventus for one season in 2009–10 and retired from football in 2011 after a stint at Al-Ahli.

Cannavaro was part of the Italy team which won consecutive UEFA European Under-21 Championships in 1994 and 1996. After earning his first senior cap in 1997, he helped his national team to the final of UEFA Euro 2000, being named in the team of the tournament, and became captain in 2002, following Paolo Maldini's retirement.

Cannavaro led Italy to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and was given the nickname "Il Muro di Berlino" ("The Berlin Wall") by the Italian supporters due to his defensive performances, which saw Italy keep five clean sheets and concede only two goals, neither of which were in open play. He was awarded the Silver Ball after being named the tournament's second-best player. He was named the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year, making him the only defender in history to have won the award. He also won the Ballon d'Or award in 2006 which made him the only defender to win the award in a decade and only the third of all time after Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.[5][6]

In 2009, Cannavaro overtook Maldini as the most-capped player in the country's history. He retired from international football on 25 June 2010 following Italy's failure to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup, having amassed 136 caps and 2 goals for the senior national team.[7] In total, he represented Italy at four World Cups, two UEFA European Championships, the 1996 Summer Olympics and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He is currently Italy's second all-time appearance holder, behind Gianluigi Buffon, as well as Italy's most capped defender.

Since his retirement, Cannavaro has coached club teams in the Middle East and China. He was briefly appointed as manager of the China national team in 2019. He was the head coach of Serie B club Benevento in the 2022–23 season, and in April 2024, he became head coach of Serie A club Udinese, successfully leading the club clear of the relegation zone. In December 2024, he was announced as the manager of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.

Early life

[edit]

Fabio Cannavaro was born in Naples to Gelsomina Costanzo and Pasquale Cannavaro. His mother worked as a maid, while his father was a bank clerk. His father also played football for provincial side Giugliano. He has an elder sister named Renata and a younger brother named Paolo, also a professional footballer.[8][9][10][11]

Club career

[edit]

1988–1995: Youth career and Napoli

[edit]
A 17-year-old Cannavaro trains with the Napoli youth side

As a youngster, Cannavaro played for a team from Bagnoli before being quickly spotted by the scouts of Napoli, his hometown and favourite childhood team. Cannavaro initially served as the club's ball boy and would often watch his idols Diego Maradona and Ciro Ferrara play. He later joined the club's youth team, initially playing as a midfielder like his idol Marco Tardelli, before the team's youth coach switched him to the role of centre-back.[12] He gained a reputation when, in a training session at Napoli, the young Fabio produced a strong sliding challenge on Maradona, who was then the undisputed star of the club, to dispossess him. The rough challenge angered teammates and staff at Napoli. However, Maradona himself defended the promising player and encouraged him to play the way he wanted, and reportedly congratulated Cannavaro by giving him his boots as a souvenir after the training session.[9][10][11][12][13][14]

Cannavaro's progress as a player was such that he soon became a member of the first team alongside some of his childhood idols. Cannavaro's debut in Serie A came on 7 March 1993, in Turin, in a 4–3 defeat to Juventus.[15] As a centre-back alongside Ferrara, he soon demonstrated his anticipation, tackling, distribution and his ability to start attacking plays after winning possession. He scored his first career goal at the San Siro, against Milan, on 8 January 1995.[16] However, despite his promising performances, the post-Maradona Napoli were in desperate need of funds and were soon forced to sell Cannavaro to Parma, where Cannavaro won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia, and was named the Serie A Defender of the Year. Cannavaro remained at Napoli until 1995, earning nearly 60 total appearances with the club, scoring one goal.[9][10][11]

1995–2002: Parma

[edit]

Cannavaro was sold to Parma in the summer of 1995, and in his first season, he was instantly a regular on the first team, scoring once in 29 appearances in the league. He would go on to win trophies with the club and achieve several personal accomplishments, such as being named the team's captain. It was also in Parma that he met Gianluigi Buffon and Lilian Thuram, who would not only form one of the tightest defensive units of Europe with Cannavaro but would also become some of his closest friends in football. Further players featuring in this legendary Parma backline were Luigi Sartor, Roberto Mussi, Antonio Benarrivo, Luigi Apolloni and the Argentine Néstor Sensini. Cannavaro began to obtain success during his time at Parma. During his first season, Parma were eliminated in the second round of the Coppa Italia but finished in sixth place in Serie A that season, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. Parma also reached the quarter-finals of the 1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup that season. Parma finished the 1996–97 Serie A season as runners-up to Serie A champions Juventus, allowing them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League the following season. Parma were once again eliminated in the second round of the Coppa Italia and in the first round of the UEFA Cup that season. In the 1997–98 season, Parma finished in fifth place in Serie A and reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, whilst they were knocked out in the group stage of the Champions League, finishing second in their group to defending champions Borussia Dortmund.[9][10][11]

In his fourth season with the club, Cannavaro won his only European trophy, the UEFA Cup, as well as winning the Coppa Italia. Parma finished the Serie A season in fourth place, with one point from Fiorentina in third place. In the following season, Fabio's brother Paolo Cannavaro joined the team, and the two Cannavaro brothers were able to play alongside each other for the next two seasons. Fabio won his first Supercoppa Italiana title against Serie A champions Milan and Parma finished the Serie A season in fourth place, tied with Inter Milan for the final remaining Champions League spot. However, Parma lost 3–1 to Inter in the Serie A Champions League playoff match, failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage. They started in the third and final qualifying round of the Champions League and were eliminated by Rangers. They were knocked out in the round of 16 of both the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia that season.[9][10][11]

In the 2000–01 season, Cannavaro aided in leading Parma to another Coppa Italia final, in which they were defeated by Fiorentina. They were eliminated in the third round of the UEFA Cup that season. Parma also finished the season in fourth place for the third consecutive season, which allowed them to go through to the Champions League qualifying round, although Parma were ultimately unable to qualify. In his final season with Parma, Cannavaro managed to win his second Coppa Italia title over Juventus, whilst Parma were eliminated in the round of 16 of the UEFA Cup, and finished the Serie A season in tenth place. In 1997, he began to earn call-ups to the national team's senior squad due to his performances for Parma, and he was consistently one of the best defenders in Serie A. In his time with Parma, Cannavaro made over 250 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.[9][10][11]

2002–2004: Inter Milan

[edit]

In the summer of 2002, Cannavaro joined Inter Milan for a reported €23 million, on a four-year contract.[17] At the time, Parma were in financial difficulty, while Inter had just lost a Serie A title in dramatic circumstances to Juventus and were in the process of rebuilding following four barren years and the departure of star striker Ronaldo. Along with Francesco Coco and his former Parma teammate Hernán Crespo, Cannavaro was supposed to be one of the faces of a new-look Inter led by manager Héctor Cúper.[9][10][11]

However, during Cannavaro's spell with the club, Inter mostly flattered to deceive. His stint with the club began promisingly, as Inter reached the semi-finals of the 2002–03 Champions League and also finished runners-up in Serie A to Juventus in his first season with the club. However, his second season was not as productive, and he missed a large chunk of it through injury. He was also often played out of position. Inter finished fourth in Serie A and reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, losing out to Juventus on penalties. Inter finished third in their Champions League group but would go on to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. After two years with the club, he was sold to Juventus in a part-exchange deal after just over 50 appearances and two goals. After he left Italy, Cannavaro often spoke negatively of his spell at Inter, comparing the club unfavourably with his other Italian clubs, Parma and Juventus.[9][10][11]

2004–2006: Juventus and Calciopoli

[edit]

After a two-year stint with Inter, Cannavaro signed for Juventus on the summer transfer window deadline day. The deal also involved the exchange of reserve goalkeeper Fabian Carini, who left for Inter, both players priced €10 million.[18] By moving to Turin, he reunited with his ex-Parma teammates Lilian Thuram and Gianluigi Buffon, and together the trio formed one of the most feared defences in the Serie A, alongside the likes of Gianluca Zambrotta, Gianluca Pessotto, Alessandro Birindelli, Jonathan Zebina and Federico Balzaretti. Juventus went on to win two consecutive Scudetti in 2005 and 2006, although they suffered consecutive quarter final eliminations in the Champions League. In the former season, he was also paired with club icons Paolo Montero and Ciro Ferrara. Cannavaro also won four Oscar del Calcio awards for his exceptional seasons with the Turin giants, winning the 2005 Serie A Defender of the Year, the 2006 Defender of the Year, the 2006 Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year and the 2006 Serie A Footballer of the Year.[9][10][11]

After the 2006 World Cup, the Calciopoli trial verdicts relegated Juventus to Serie B. Since Juventus were ineligible to qualify for the Champions League, Cannavaro decided to leave. "Even if I know this may be hard to believe, I would have stayed at Juventus had they remained in Serie A – even with a 30-point deduction." He followed Juve manager Fabio Capello to Real Madrid in the summer of 2006. In his two-year Scudetto-winning stint with Juventus, Cannavaro made over 100 total appearances in all competitions. His transfer was met with disappointment from the Juventus fans, who had accepted him as one of their own.[9][10][11]

2006–2009: Real Madrid

[edit]
Cannavaro (far left, in white) with Real Madrid against Barcelona

Real Madrid paid €7 million to sign Cannavaro,[19] and gave him the number 5 shirt which had previously been worn by French international Zinedine Zidane. Cannavaro spent three seasons at Madrid, winning the Liga title in 2006–07 and 2007–08, and being named the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year,[20] also winning the 2006 Ballon d'Or.[6] Cannavaro was elected as part of the 2006 and the 2007 FIFPro World XI squads, and the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year. He was named in the six-man shortlist for the 2007 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.[21]

On 19 May 2009, it was confirmed Cannavaro would return to Juventus for the 2009–10 season at the conclusion of his contract.[22] On his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, he was given a standing ovation by the fans.[23] In April 2013, Cannavaro was named by Marca as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history".[24]

2009–2010: Return to Juventus

[edit]

Three years after Cannavaro left Juventus, and following the end of his contract with Real Madrid, in the summer of 2009, he decided to return to the club on a free transfer. Cannavaro started the new season very well, forming good defensive partnerships with Nicola Legrottaglie, Martín Cáceres, Zdeněk Grygera, Fabio Grosso and most notably Giorgio Chiellini, in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. However, from Autumn onwards, Juventus' form took a turn for the worse. Having been injured for a while in late 2009, Cannavaro struggled with his own form both on his comeback and subsequently, and Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League, finishing third in their group.[9][10][11]

In March 2010, Cannavaro's relationship with the Juventus supporters, already fragile due to a perceived betrayal of the club when he left for Real Madrid, reached an all-time low. In a UEFA Europa League tie against Fulham, Juventus, who had won the first leg 3–1 at home, were leading 1–0 at Craven Cottage in London. Early in the first half, Cannavaro accumulated two bookings for reckless challenges and was sent off. Reduced to ten men, Juventus collapsed to a 4–1 loss and were eliminated on aggregate. Cannavaro enraged supporters with the sending-off and its consequent role in the team's elimination. Juventus were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia to eventual champions and treble winners Inter Milan.[9][10][11]

The club finished the league season in seventh place, with only a Europa League spot, its worst Serie A finish for a decade. Juventus subsequently confirmed Cannavaro's contract would not be renewed.[25] His performances had become unreliable, so much so that his hometown club Napoli made no attempt to sign him, despite Cannavaro expressing his wish to rejoin the club on more than one occasion.[9][10][11]

2010–2011: Al-Ahli

[edit]

On 2 June 2010, it was announced Cannavaro would move to UAE League side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after the 2010 World Cup. Cannavaro signed a two-year deal.[26] He made 16 appearances for the Dubai club, scoring two goals. Cannavaro announced his retirement from football in July 2011 due to a serious knee problem; doctors had told him he could no longer play.[27]

One year after Cannavaro's retirement from Al-Ahli, it was announced he was joining the Indian league team Siliguri. In a footballers' auction whose line-up included names such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Hernán Crespo and Robbie Fowler, Cannavaro was bought by Siliguri for $830,000, exceeding his "base price" by $50,000.[28] However, the league never came to fruition and Cannavaro stayed in retirement.

International career

[edit]

Youth career

[edit]

Cannavaro's first taste of international success came over in the mid-1990s under coach Cesare Maldini with Italy's under-21 side, winning two consecutive UEFA European Under-21 Championship titles, in 1994 and 1996, and developing an important defensive partnership with Alessandro Nesta, which would also continue at senior level.[15] In 1996, he participated also at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He subsequently played for his country in the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, as well as in the 2000 and 2004 UEFA European Championships.[29]

Early senior career and 1998 World Cup

[edit]
Cannavaro with Italy in 1998

Cannavaro made his debut with the Italy national team on 22 January 1997, in a friendly match against Northern Ireland.[15] The same year, he earned plaudits for his handling of England striker Alan Shearer in a World Cup qualifying game at Wembley Stadium.[15] Shearer was then considered by the partisan English crowd to be the best striker in the world, and thought he would make fun of the inexperienced Italian defender. Nevertheless, in a display ranking alongside those of the very best Italian defenders Claudio Gentile and Franco Baresi, Cannavaro managed to keep Shearer quiet for the whole game. Italy won the game 1–0 courtesy of a Gianfranco Zola goal.[9][15][29]

Cannavaro's first international tournament came at 1998 World Cup alongside the experienced and capable Giuseppe Bergomi, Alessandro Costacurta and Paolo Maldini, as well as the emerging Alessandro Nesta, with Paolo Maldini's father, Cesare Maldini, as head coach. Cannavaro made several strong performances throughout the tournament, although Italy eventually went out in the quarter-finals to hosts and eventual champions France, in a match where Cannavaro suffered a cut to his forehead following an elbow by Stéphane Guivarc'h. The Azzurri managed a 0–0 draw, eventually being decided by a penalty shoot-out in favour of the hosts.[9]

Euro 2000 Final, 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004

[edit]

At Euro 2000, under manager Dino Zoff, Cannavaro had a strong tournament, playing as centre-back alongside either Alessandro Nesta, Mark Iuliano or Paolo Maldini in 3–5–2 formation. The Italian defence only conceded two goals en route to the final: one against Turkey, and one against Sweden, both in the group stage, keeping three clean sheets in total. The Azzurri reached the final after defeating the Netherlands on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. Italy led the then-world champions France 1–0 going into injury time. However, Sylvain Wiltord equalised in the final minute of injury time, and an extra-time golden goal from David Trezeguet gave France the title. Cannavaro was elected as part of the Team of the Tournament for his performances.[9]

At the 2002 World Cup, under manager Giovanni Trapattoni, Cannavaro was credited with holding the defence together almost single-handedly after his usual defensive partner Alessandro Nesta was injured against Croatia. This injury, alongside several errors by match officials, dealt a severe blow to Italy's chances of winning the World Cup, the side having relied heavily on the Cannavaro–Nesta partnership in central defence. Marco Materazzi, who deputised for Nesta, put in performances that were below his usual standards. Cannavaro picked up two yellow card during the group stage and was suspended for the round of 16 match, meaning Italy would be left without their two starting centre-backs.[30][31] Italy went out controversially in the second round, losing to co-hosts and eventual semi-finalists South Korea, once again to a golden goal.[32][33]

Cannavaro had a difficult act to follow when he took over as captain from Paolo Maldini after the 2002 World Cup, but he quickly won the team over with his leadership, calming influence and inspirational performances, helping Italy qualify for Euro 2004.[10] After Maldini's international retirement, he first captained Italy in a 1–0 defeat to Slovenia in Trieste on 21 August 2002.[34][35] He was later officially named Italy's captain for an away UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match against Azerbaijan on 7 September, which Italy won 2–0.[36][37] In Italy's qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro in Naples, on 12 October, he received a standing ovation on the pitch where he wore the local side's colours, as Italy drew 1–1.[38]

Cannavaro scored his first international goal on 30 May 2004, in a 4–0 win against Tunisia, in Tunis.[39] Euro 2004, which was hosted by Portugal, turned out to be a disappointment. Cannavaro picked up yellow cards during his nations two opening group draws with Denmark (0–0) and Sweden (1–1), forcing him to sit out the final group match. Italy defeated Bulgaria 2–1, but failed to advance on goal difference.[40]

2006 World Cup winner

[edit]
Cannavaro (right), alongside Italy President Giorgio Napolitano, holds the 2006 World Cup trophy

Cannavaro captained Italy throughout their successful 2006 World Cup campaign with composure and aplomb under manager Marcello Lippi. One of his key performances came in a 2–0 extra-time win against hosts Germany in the semi-finals of the tournament: in the last minute of extra-time, with Italy leading 1–0 and facing a German attack, Cannavaro outjumped Per Mertesacker to clear the ball from his area. He subsequently ran forward to dispossess Lukas Podolski, and carried the ball up to Francesco Totti in midfield, who started the play that led to Italy's second goal, which was scored by Alessandro Del Piero from an assist by Alberto Gilardino.[41] However, Cannavaro's crowning moment was lifting the World Cup trophy on 9 July 2006, the night of his 100th cap.[42] Cannavaro did not receive a single yellow or red card during the 690 minutes he played in the tournament. His defensive performance in the final earned him the nickname of "Wall of Berlin", as the final was played in Berlin.[9][41][43]

Along with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Cannavaro played each minute of every match in the tournament for Italy, completing 211 passes and winning 16 challenges.[44] Even with usual defensive partner Alessandro Nesta out due to injury,[41] the Italian defence kept a record five clean sheets and conceded only two goals throughout the entire tournament: an own-goal against the United States and a Zinedine Zidane penalty in the final against France.[9]

Cannavaro in final match World Cup 2006

Cannavaro's leadership and marshalling of the Italian defence throughout their march to the final earned him a place in the All-Star Team at the end of the competition (awarded by FIFA's Technical Study Group) alongside six other Italian teammates: Gianluigi Buffon, Francesco Totti, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Luca Toni and Gianluca Zambrotta.[45] He was runner-up in the race for the Golden Ball, finishing behind French counterpart Zinedine Zidane; it was a close contest with Zidane polling 2012 points to Cannavaro's 1977.[46] Cannavaro was also awarded the 2006 Ballon d'Or[6] and the 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year for his performances throughout the season and at the World Cup,[20] also being named to the FIFPro World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year.[9]

Euro 2008

[edit]

On 2 June 2008, Cannavaro was injured during Italy's first training session for Euro 2008. He sustained a knock following a tackle by fellow defender Giorgio Chiellini and was carried off the field on a stretcher. Italian squad doctor Paolo Zeppilli said, "We have to do tests but it does not look like a minor injury." These tests consequently showed that he had torn ligaments in his left ankle. Right after the examinations, Italian journalists waited for Cannavaro, who told them simply, "I'm going home", with a melancholic smile on his face. With that news, Italy manager Roberto Donadoni then called up Fiorentina centre-back Alessandro Gamberini as his official replacement. Alessandro Del Piero captained the team in his place. Cannavaro added that he would stay with the squad to offer support. This would have been Cannavaro's third Euro tournament.[47][48]

Cannavaro also put his plans to retire from the national team after Euro 2008 on hold and added that the injury had made him more determined than ever to captain Italy through the 2010 World Cup.[49]

Record-breaking caps at the 2009 Confederations Cup

[edit]

In Italy's final 2009 Confederations Cup group match against Brazil, Cannavaro equalled Paolo Maldini's record of being Italy's most capped player, although Italy were defeated 3–0 and were disappointingly eliminated from the tournament in the group stage.[50] On 12 August 2009, in a friendly match against Switzerland, Cannavaro became Italy's most capped player of all time. He won his 127th cap for his country, beating Maldini's former record of 126.[9]

2010 World Cup and retirement

[edit]

Cannavaro captained Italy at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, once again under Marcello Lippi, although his performances were not as strong as in previous editions, and he and the Italian squad received criticism from the press.[51] The defending champions crashed out of the competition in the first round, losing 3–2 to Slovakia in their final group match, after drawing 1–1 against both New Zealand and Paraguay.[51] Following Italy's failure to progress past the group stage, Cannavaro announced his retirement from international football.[9][10][51] In total, Cannavaro made 136 appearances for Italy between 1997 and 2010, scoring 2 goals, making him the second-most capped Italian player of all time, behind only Gianluigi Buffon.[13][29] Cannavaro has also made the second-most appearances for Italy as captain, behind only Buffon, wearing the armband on 79 occasions.[9][52][53]

Managerial career

[edit]

Al-Ahli

[edit]

After his retirement, Cannavaro was appointed a global brand ambassador and technical consultant of Al-Ahli Club of Dubai on 25 August 2011.[54] In July 2013, after Cosmin Olăroiu took charge as new head coach of Al-Ahli, Cannavaro was named as his first team coach.[55] He guided Al-Ahli to UAE Pro League and UAE League Cup titles in his first season in charge.

Guangzhou Evergrande

[edit]

On 5 November 2014, Cannavaro was named as the new head coach of Chinese Super League title-holder and four-time champions Guangzhou Evergrande, replacing his former national team manager Marcello Lippi. Cannavaro was formally unveiled by the club on the same day.[56] On 4 June 2015, Guangzhou Evergrande suddenly announced Cannavaro was replaced by Luiz Felipe Scolari after a Super League match against Tianjin Teda.[57][58]

Al Nassr

[edit]

On 24 October 2015, Cannavaro was named new head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr replacing Jorge da Silva.[59] The following 11 February, he rescinded his contract.[60]

Tianjin Quanjian

[edit]

On 9 June 2016, Tianjin Quanjian, who were on a streak of seven consecutive competitive matches without a win under Vanderlei Luxemburgo, announced Cannavaro became the new manager of the club.[61] They were ranked eighth place in the league at the time, and on 22 October he guided Quanjian to the 2016 China League One title, thus sealing their promotion to the 2017 Chinese Super League.[62]

Under Cannavaro, Quanjian finished third in their top-tier debut with 15 wins, 9 draws and 6 losses and advanced to 2018 AFC Champions League Qualifying play-offs.[63] On 6 November 2017, Quanjian announced the club accepted Cannavaro's resignation from the club.[64] He won the Chinese Football Association Coach of the Year award in November 2017.[65]

Return to Guangzhou Evergrande

[edit]

On 9 November 2017, Guangzhou Evergrande appointed Cannavaro as manager for the second time.[66] He was relieved of his position on 27 October 2019, and went to corporate culture training, with captain Zheng Zhi the acting manager.[67] He returned six days later.[68] On 1 December 2019, he won the Chinese Super League.[69] Cannavaro left Guangzhou again in September 2021.[70]

China national team

[edit]

On 15 March 2019, Cannavaro was appointed manager of the China national team, in conjunction with coaching Guangzhou Evergrande.[71][72] Six days later he lost his first match in charge, a 1–0 home defeat in the China Cup to Thailand.[73] On 28 April, he stood down to focus on his role at Guangzhou Evergrande.[74]

Benevento

[edit]

On 21 September 2022, Cannavaro took on his first managerial job in his native Italy, becoming the new head coach of Serie B club Benevento.[75] On 4 February 2023, after failing to improve the club's fortunes and with the club deep into the relegation zone, he was sacked by Benevento.[76]

Udinese

[edit]

On 22 April 2024, Cannavaro became the new manager of Serie A club Udinese in substitution of Gabriele Cioffi.[77] A few days after escaping relegation on the final matchday of the season following a dramatic 1–0 away win against Frosinone, who were overtaken by Udinese and got relegated following that result, the club announced Cannavaro's departure from the club.[78]

Dinamo Zagreb

[edit]

In December 2024, Cannavaro was confirmed as the new manager of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb, marking his first adventure in a foreign country in Europe. Cannavaro's first competitive match was in the Champions League against Arsenal, where Dinamo lost 3–0.[79] Cannavaro had his first competitive win against Milan; however, despite Dinamo winning 2–1, the club failed to reach the knockout playoffs of the Champions League. By April 2025, Dinamo were eight points behind title rivals Hajduk Split and Cannavaro was heavily criticized for his way of managing the club.[80] On 9 April, he was sacked.[81]

Uzbekistan

[edit]

On 6 October 2025, the Uzbekistan national team appointed Cannavaro as their head coach, particularly for their debut World Cup appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[82]

Style of play

[edit]

"Cannavaro has been the most accomplished defender at this World Cup [in 2006]. He has been the only permanent member of Italy's ever-changing backline. He has been imperious. Rigorous. Absolutely in charge. Standing tall at 5ft 9in, he is dwarfed by just about every other centre-half in Germany, yet he has risen serenely above them all, seemingly without a bead of sweat."

—Amy Lawrence, The Guardian.[83]

Cannavaro is considered one of the greatest defenders of all time, winning the World Cup as Italy's captain, as well as the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2006. Although he predominantly excelled as a centre-back, due to his ability to read the game,[84][85][86] he was also deployed as a right or left sided full-back on occasion, in particular under his Inter coach Héctor Cúper.[11] This was made possible due to Cannavaro's tactical intelligence, versatility, technical ability, ball playing ability, stamina, low centre of gravity and pace, which also enabled him to start plays from the backline after winning possession.[87][3][88][89]

As a defender, Cannavaro was known in particular for his concentration, anticipation, awareness and positional sense. Despite his relatively small stature for a defender, he was highly regarded for his aerial ability, courtesy of his elevation, physical strength, athleticism, timing and heading accuracy, which enabled him to outjump larger players and made him particularly adept at defending crosses, or at scoring with his head from set-pieces.[13][90][91][92][83] Throughout his career, he made a name for himself as a dynamic, consistent, tenacious and complete defender, known for his acceleration, speed, reactions, and agility, as well as his tackling ability, and in particular, his precise sliding challenges. Due to his wide range of skills, he excelled in a zonal marking system, but was also an excellent man-marker.[93][94][95][96][97] During his time at Parma under manager Alberto Malesani, he also stood out for his ability to press opposing forwards, which allowed the team to maintain a high three-man defensive line effectively.[98] Nicknamed Canna ("reed"), by his former Italy defensive teammate Paolo Maldini,[83] as a reference to his surname and mental strength, in addition to his ability as a defender, Cannavaro was also known for his leadership, determination, strong temperament and charisma, both on and off the pitch, as well as his ability to organise his defence.[3][88][89][90][83] Cannavaro also attributes his positive character, calm composure under pressure and self-assurance in his abilities, as well as his diet, work-rate and discipline in training, as some of the key reasons for his success as a footballer, as well as his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates.[12][13][99][100]

Media

[edit]
Cannavaro in Moscow in December 2017 at the draw for the 2018 World Cup

Cannavaro was sponsored by sportswear company Nike and appeared in Nike commercials. In a Nike advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan, Cannavaro starred in a "Secret Tournament" commercial (branded "Scopion KO") directed by Terry Gilliam, appearing alongside football players such as Thierry Henry, Ronaldo, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo and Hidetoshi Nakata, with former player Eric Cantona the tournament "referee".[101][102] A 2010 Nike commercial, Write the Future directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, begins with Cannavaro making an impressive goal-line clearance from a Didier Drogba shot, before it cuts away to him being guest of honour on a Mediaset-style Italian variety programme, where dancers wearing sequined variations of his #6 shirt re-enact the clearance while suspended on wires.[103]

Cannavaro was on the cover of the Italian edition of SCEE's This is Football 2003.[104] Cannavaro also features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series; he was named to the Ultimate Team Legends in FIFA 14.[105] An icon in FIFA 19, Cannavaro has a 92 rating.[106] Cannavaro worked as a pundit on ITV during the 2014 World Cup.[107]

Personal life

[edit]

Cannavaro married Daniela Arenoso (b. 1974) on 17 June 1996,[8] they have three children, Christian (b. 1998) – also a footballer, who was playing as a midfielder for Serie B side Benevento before retiring in 2019 - [108][109] Martina (b. 2001) and Andrea (b. 2004).[14][110]

Cannavaro's younger brother, Paolo, was also a defender who last played for Sassuolo, and previously also played for Napoli, Verona and Parma.[111] The two brothers played alongside each other at Parma from 2000 until 2002, when Fabio left for Inter.[112] Before his retirement, Fabio had often expressed interest in ending his career with Paolo in a Napoli shirt.[113]

With his fellow Neapolitan friend and former defensive teammate Ciro Ferrara, Cannavaro has helped establish a charity foundation, Fondazione Cannavaro Ferrara, specialising in the procurement of cancer research equipment and surgery for special cases of cancer for a hospital in their native Naples; the foundation also aims to help at-risk youth in Naples.[52]

Controversies

[edit]

The night before the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, a videotape was released which showed Cannavaro being injected with a substance. The substance was found to be neoton (phosphocreatine), which is used in cardiac surgery to protect the heart during periods of anoxia and stress. It is not on the banned substance list. This chemical is, in partnership with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), fundamental to the ability of the body to produce muscular energy. Phosphocreatine is formed naturally within the body, with over 95% of the compound stored within the muscle cells. The body also receives dietary creatine primarily through the consumption of meat. No action was taken regarding this incident.[114]

On 8 October 2009, Cannavaro failed a drug test. However, Juventus claimed the drugs were medicine for a severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting and not performance-enhancing. Because of the urgent nature of the treatment, Cannavaro could not ask for permission to CONI in time, which was done immediately afterwards. Apparently, while awaiting the conclusion of formalities involved for CONI with granting this permission, he was subjected to the drug test that eventually gave a positive result. CONI later dropped charges against him.[115]

In February 2015, Cannavaro, his wife Daniela and his brother Paolo were respectively handed ten-month, four-month and six-month prison sentences for breaching orders and entering Fabio's residence after authorities seized it in 2009 amid an investigation into fraudulent activity and tax evasion. All three have appealed and will have their sentences suspended until the final judgement.[116][117]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[118]
Club Season League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Napoli 1992–93 Serie A 2 0 1 0 0 0 – 3 0
1993–94 Serie A 27 0 2 0 – – 29 0
1994–95 Serie A 29 1 4 0 3 0 – 36 1
Total 58 1 7 0 3 0 0 0 68 1
Parma 1995–96 Serie A 29 1 0 0 6 0 1[a] 0 36 1
1996–97 Serie A 27 0 1 0 2 0 – 30 0
1997–98 Serie A 31 0 6 0 7 0 – 44 0
1998–99 Serie A 30 1 7 0 8 0 – 45 1
1999–2000 Serie A 31 2 3 0 9 1 2[b] 0 45 3
2000–01 Serie A 33 0 7 0 6 0 – 46 0
2001–02 Serie A 31 1 5 0 9 0 – 45 0
Total 212 5 29 0 47 1 3 0 291 5
Inter Milan 2002–03 Serie A 28 0 0 0 12 1 – 40 1
2003–04 Serie A 22 2 3 0 9 0 – 34 2
Total 50 2 3 0 21 1 0 0 74 3
Juventus 2004–05 Serie A 38 2 0 0 9 1 – 47 3
2005–06 Serie A 36 4 2 0 9 0 1[a] 0 48 4
Total 74 6 2 0 18 1 1 0 95 7
Real Madrid 2006–07 La Liga 32 0 1 0 6 0 – 39 0
2007–08 La Liga 33 0 1 0 6 0 2[c] 1 42 1
2008–09 La Liga 29 0 1 0 7 0 – 37 0
Total 94 0 3 0 19 0 2 1 118 1
Juventus 2009–10 Serie A 27 0 1 0 5 0 – 33 0
Al-Ahli Dubai 2010–11 UAE Pro League 16 2 0 0 0 0 – 16 2
Career total 531 16 45 0 113 3 6 1 695 19
  1. ^ a b Supercoppa Italiana
  2. ^ One Champions League playoff match, one Supercoppa Italiana match
  3. ^ Supercopa de España

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[119]
National team Year Apps Goals
Italy 1997 12 0
1998 11 0
1999 8 0
2000 14 0
2001 9 0
2002 12 0
2003 10 0
2004 6 1
2005 8 0
2006 15 0
2007 8 0
2008 8 1
2009 10 0
2010 5 0
Total 136 2
Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cannavaro goal.
List of international goals scored by Fabio Cannavaro
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 30 May 2004 Radès, Tunisia  Tunisia 2–0 4–0 Friendly
2 6 February 2008 Zürich, Switzerland  Portugal 2–0 3–1 Friendly

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of 13 October 2025
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L Win %
Guangzhou Evergrande[120] China 5 November 2014 4 June 2015 22 11 6 5 050.00
Al Nassr Saudi Arabia 26 October 2015 11 February 2016 16 6 7 3 037.50
Tianjin Quanjian[120] China 9 June 2016 6 November 2017 55 33 10 12 060.00
Guangzhou Evergrande China 9 November 2017 29 September 2021 132 79 23 30 059.85
China PR China 15 March 2019 29 April 2019 2 0 0 2 000.00
Benevento Italy 21 September 2022 4 February 2023 17 3 7 7 017.65
Udinese Italy 22 April 2024 30 June 2024 6 2 3 1 033.33
Dinamo Zagreb Croatia 29 December 2024 9 April 2025 14 7 2 5 050.00
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan 6 October 2025 Present 2 1 0 1 050.00
Total 266 142 58 66 053.38

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Parma[121][122]

Juventus

Real Madrid

Italy U-21

Italy

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Tianjin Quanjian[122]

Guangzhou Evergrande

Individual

Orders

[edit]
  • CONI: Golden Collar of Sports Merit: 2006[141]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fabio Cannavaro

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from Grokipedia
Fabio Cannavaro is a retired Italian professional footballer who played as a centre-back and is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, leadership, and contributions to both club and international football, culminating in captaining to victory at the . Born on 13 September 1973 in , , Cannavaro rose from humble beginnings in a working-class neighborhood, where he honed his talents playing street football as a devoted Napoli supporter. Despite his relatively modest height of 1.76 meters, he became one of the most celebrated defenders of his era, earning the nickname "Muro di Berlino" () for his impenetrable performances during the 2006 World Cup. Cannavaro's club career spanned over two decades, beginning with his professional debut for Napoli in 1992, where he played until 1995. He then joined from 1995 to 2002, forming a formidable defensive partnership and helping the team secure major honors, including the , two titles in 1998/99 and 2001/02, and the 1999/00 . Subsequent stints included (2002–2004), Juventus (2004–2006 and 2009–2010, where he contributed to two titles in 2004/05 and 2005/06, later revoked due to the scandal), Real Madrid (2006–2009, winning in 2006/07 and 2007/08), and Al-Ahli in the UAE (2010–2011). His time at Real Madrid marked the pinnacle of his club achievements, as he anchored a defense that dominated Spanish football during his tenure. On the international stage, Cannavaro represented from 1997 to 2010, accumulating 136 caps and scoring 2 goals, making him one of the most capped players in the nation's history. He participated in four World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010) and two European Championships (2000 and 2004), but his defining moment came as captain in 2006, when conceded just two goals en route to the title, with Cannavaro's leadership central to their success. Earlier, he had won the with in 1994 and 1996. His heroics earned him the in 2006—only the third defender to win the award, after and —as well as the World Player of the Year honor. Following his retirement in 2011, Cannavaro pursued a managerial career, contributing to Al-Ahli's domestic treble in 2014 and later coaching in with Guangzhou Evergrande and Tianjin Quanjian, as well as stints in the UAE and , followed by roles with European clubs and, as of October 2025, the Uzbekistan national team. His transition from player to coach underscored his enduring influence on the sport, blending tactical acumen with the discipline that defined his playing days.

Early life and beginnings

Early life

Fabio Cannavaro was born on 13 September 1973 in , , into a modest working-class . His father, Pasquale Cannavaro, worked as a bank clerk and was an avid football enthusiast who played semi-professionally for a local team, instilling a deep passion for the sport in his son. Cannavaro's mother, Gelsomina Costanzo, was a who provided strong support amid the challenges of their neighborhood. Growing up in the Bagnoli district of , Cannavaro spent much of his childhood playing street football daily, honing his skills in the vibrant, competitive environment of the city's working-class areas. From a young age, Cannavaro idolized , the Argentine star who joined Napoli in 1984 and transformed the club into a symbol of Neapolitan pride, further fueling his dream of becoming a professional footballer. This admiration, combined with his family's encouragement and the informal games in ' streets, shaped his early development and determination. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his entry into Napoli's youth academy as a teenager.

Youth career and Napoli debut

Fabio Cannavaro, born into a family of devoted Napoli supporters in , joined the club's youth academy in 1988 at the age of 15, following his early experiences as a at the Stadio San Paolo during the team's successful late era. Influenced by the club's triumphs under , Cannavaro quickly adapted to organized football, honing his defensive skills in a competitive environment that emphasized tactical discipline and physicality. Cannavaro progressed through Napoli's youth ranks, starting with the Allievi under-17 team, where he contributed to the squad's success in the 1989/90 season by winning the di categoria, Italy's national youth title for that age group. He then advanced to the Primavera under-19 side, the club's top youth team, which served as a crucial stepping stone for promising talents aiming for senior integration; during this period, Cannavaro developed his versatility, primarily operating as a right-back while displaying the tenacity and positioning that would define his career. His performances in training sessions, including a notable on a senior player, caught the attention of coaches and earned him a reputation as a fearless prospect. Cannavaro made his senior debut for Napoli on 7 March 1993, coming on as a substitute in a match against Juventus. Over the subsequent seasons from 1992 to 1995, he established himself in the first team, accumulating 68 appearances and scoring 1 goal, predominantly deployed as a right-back in a defense that faced the rigors of competition. These early outings provided essential experience, allowing Cannavaro to mature amid Napoli's mid-table struggles, laying the foundation for his emergence as one of Italy's premier defenders.

Club career

Parma

Cannavaro joined from Napoli in the summer of 1995 for a reported fee of €7 million, marking a significant step in his professional development. His early experience at Napoli had laid a strong foundation for adapting to the rigors of top-flight Italian football. During his seven seasons with from 1995 to 2002, he appeared in 203 matches, scoring 4 goals, while contributing to a robust defensive unit that helped elevate the club to European contention. Under coach , Cannavaro transitioned from his previous role as a full-back to a central defender within Parma's 5-3-2 formation, allowing him to showcase his aerial prowess, tackling ability, and leadership qualities. This positional shift proved instrumental in his individual growth, as he formed formidable partnerships with goalkeeper , who joined the same year, and later with defender Lilian starting in 1996, creating one of Serie A's most impenetrable backlines during the late . These collaborations were key to Parma's defensive solidity, conceding fewer goals in crucial campaigns and enabling attacking flair from forwards like . Cannavaro's tenure at Parma yielded major silverware, including the 1999 UEFA Cup, where the team defeated 3-0 in the final at Moscow's , with two goals from Crespo and one from securing the triumph. That same year, Parma also won the , defeating 3-0 on aggregate in the two-legged final (1-0 and 2-0), and followed it with the , edging 2-1 in August. Cannavaro added a second title in 2002, as Parma beat Juventus 2-1 on aggregate, capping a successful period that solidified his reputation as a world-class defender. His performances at earned him his first senior call-up to the national team in 1997, debuting in a friendly against on 22 January, which laid the groundwork for his international prominence.

Inter Milan

In the summer of 2002, Fabio Cannavaro transferred from to for a reported fee of €23 million, signing a four-year contract. During his two seasons at the club, Cannavaro made 50 appearances in , scoring 2 goals, while accumulating 74 appearances across all competitions. His defensive skills, honed during a successful stint at , contributed to Inter's solid backline under manager , who implemented a disciplined, counter-attacking system emphasizing organization and resilience. Cannavaro played a key role in Inter's run to the , where the team lost 4-2 on aggregate to (0-1 first leg, 2-3 second leg after extra time); he started both legs as part of the central defense that kept clean sheets in earlier knockout rounds against teams like . In domestic league play, Inter finished second in during the 2002–03 season, trailing champions Juventus by 7 points with a record of 19 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses. The following year, 2003–04, was more turbulent, with Inter ending fourth after 17 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses, qualifying for the despite internal disruptions. Cannavaro adapted well to Cúper's tactical setup in his debut campaign, forming a reliable partnership with defenders like and helping limit opponents to an average of under 1 goal per game in . However, occasional injuries, including an ankle issue in his second season, restricted his playing time and contributed to a dip in form, as he featured in only 22 league matches that year. Cannavaro departed Inter in August 2004 via a player exchange with Juventus for Fabián Carini, with no transfer fee involved, amid ongoing managerial instability—Cúper had been sacked after just eight games into the 2003–04 season, replaced by and later —and Cannavaro's desire for fresh challenges to rebuild his momentum. Despite the lack of major trophies, his tenure underscored his versatility in a high-pressure environment, though it marked a transitional phase compared to his prior achievements.

Juventus (2004–2006)

Cannavaro joined Juventus from on 31 August 2004, the final day of the , in a deal that exchanged him for Fabián Carini. The move was valued at €10 million by market analysts. Over the next two seasons, he made 74 appearances in , scoring six goals, while contributing to a total of approximately 93 outings across all competitions. Under manager , Cannavaro anchored the defense alongside , forming a robust that emphasized tactical discipline and aerial prowess. His leadership on the pitch was instrumental in Juventus' domestic dominance, helping the team secure back-to-back titles in the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons. In Europe, Cannavaro played a pivotal role in the campaign, where Juventus advanced to the quarter-finals before elimination by . The 2006 scandal, involving match-fixing allegations against Juventus executives, led to severe repercussions for the club, including the revocation of the 2004–05 and 2005–06 titles and relegation to . Amid the ensuing uncertainty and player exodus, Cannavaro departed Juventus in July 2006, following Capello to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid

Following his standout performances as captain during Italy's victory, Fabio Cannavaro transferred to Real Madrid from Juventus in July 2006 for a reported fee of €7 million, signing a three-year contract. Cannavaro quickly adapted to the high-pressure environment of Real Madrid's squad under manager during the 2006–07 season, forming a solid defensive partnership and contributing to the team's league success. He made 94 appearances in across his three seasons from 2006 to 2009, helping Real Madrid secure the title with a strong defensive record. In the subsequent 2007–08 campaign, under new manager , Cannavaro continued to anchor the defense as Real Madrid won their second consecutive title and advanced to the semi-finals of the , where they were eliminated by Manchester United. Despite his contributions to these triumphs, Cannavaro faced occasional injuries, including a strain in November 2008 and an ankle ligament tear in June 2008 that sidelined him for Euro 2008, which impacted his consistency toward the end of his tenure. At age 33 upon arrival, he also drew some criticism for perceived age-related decline in speed and mobility during his later seasons, though his leadership and positioning remained assets. Cannavaro's Ballon d'Or win in 2006, one of only two times a defender has claimed the in the post-1995 era following in 1996, underscored his exceptional defensive prowess, which carried over effectively in his early Real performances and contributed to the club's back-to-back titles.

Juventus return and Al-Ahli

After departing Real in 2009, Cannavaro returned to Juventus on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract effective July 1. The move, announced in May, was controversial among fans who resented his earlier exit amid the club's scandal and relegation. During the 2009–10 , the 35-year-old defender featured in 33 matches across all competitions, including 27 in , contributing to Juventus' seventh-place finish in the league. Despite the success, Cannavaro faced criticism for a perceived decline in form, particularly after injuries sidelined him in late 2009 and during key Europa League matches, such as the round-of-16 loss to Fulham where he was faulted for defensive lapses. Italian media highlighted his struggles in high-stakes games, noting reduced mobility and positioning errors in the season's latter stages. His contract expired at the end of the campaign, and he departed the club in June 2010 without renewal. Cannavaro then joined UAE Pro-League side Al-Ahli Dubai on a free transfer in June 2010, signing a two-year deal as a high-profile addition to the defending champions. In his sole season, the 36-year-old made 16 appearances and scored two goals, helping Al-Ahli secure second place in the league while reaching the final. Shortly after, he signed with Evergrande but announced his retirement on July 9, 2011—five years to the day after captaining to glory—at age 37, citing a persistent knee injury that medical advice deemed too risky to continue playing.

International career

Youth international career

Cannavaro represented at various levels in the early to mid-1990s. These early experiences helped build his defensive skills and tactical awareness, preparing him for higher-stakes competitions. Although specific details from these lower age groups are limited, his progression through the Azzurrini system showcased his potential as a reliable center-back. His most notable achievements came with the Under-21 team, where he earned 21 caps between 1994 and 1996. Cannavaro made his U21 debut during the qualifying phase and quickly became a mainstay in the defense. He scored no goals during his U21 tenure but was instrumental in maintaining solid defensive records, often partnering with emerging talents like and . Cannavaro played a pivotal role in Italy's successful UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaigns in both 1994 and 1996. In the 1994 , he joined the squad late but featured in the quarter-final victory over (3-0), the semi-final win against (2-1 after extra time), and the final against , where Italy secured the title 2-1 after extra time with a goal from Pierluigi Orlandini. His contributions were key in the knockout stages, demonstrating his composure under pressure. Italy defended their title in 1996, with Cannavaro serving as captain and playing every minute of the finals except the semi-final against . He anchored the backline alongside Nesta in the final against , which Italy won 1-0 in , securing back-to-back championships. This leadership role at age 22 highlighted his early reputation for organizational skills and vocal presence on the pitch, traits that would define his senior career. The 1996 triumph also featured future stars like Totti, who provided attacking flair, underscoring Cannavaro's ability to complement a balanced youth squad.

Senior debut and early tournaments

Cannavaro earned his first senior cap for the Italy national team on 22 January 1997, appearing in a 2–0 friendly victory over at Stadio La Favorita in . Coming off successes with Italy's under-21 side, including two consecutive titles in and , his transition to the senior squad marked the beginning of a distinguished international career. Cannavaro's inaugural major tournament was the in , where he featured in all five of Italy's matches as the Azzurri advanced to the quarter-finals. Italy topped with a 2–2 draw against , 3–0 win over , and 2–1 victory against , then edged 1–0 in the round of 16. Their campaign ended in a 0–0 draw against hosts , with Italy losing 4–3 on penalties; Cannavaro's defensive solidity helped concede just three goals across the tournament. At UEFA Euro 2000, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, Cannavaro was instrumental in Italy's run to the final, starting all six matches. The team progressed unbeaten through the group stage and quarter-final against Romania (2–0), before a dramatic 100th-minute golden goal from Sylvain Wiltord sent them through in the semi-final against the Netherlands (0–0, 3–1 on penalties). Italy fell 2–1 to France in the final after David Trezeguet's extra-time volley, but Cannavaro's commanding performances earned him a place in the official Team of the Tournament. By the conclusion of the tournament, he had accumulated 34 caps for Italy. His first international goal arrived later, on 30 May 2004, when he headed in a corner during a 4–0 friendly win over Tunisia in Tunis—his 78th appearance.

2006 FIFA World Cup triumph

Fabio Cannavaro served as captain of the national team during , a role he maintained leading into the . Under his leadership, advanced through the tournament with a robust defensive strategy, culminating in a victory over in the final on July 9, 2006, at the Olympiastadion in . The match ended 1–1 after extra time, with prevailing 5–3 in the to claim their fourth World Cup title. Cannavaro anchored a defense that conceded just two goals across seven matches, both from set pieces—an against the and a penalty against —with no opposition goals scored from open play. His commanding presence earned him the Silver Ball award as the tournament's second-best player, behind . In the semi-final against host nation , Cannavaro made pivotal interventions, including winning key tackles against forwards like during extra time, helping secure a 2–0 victory. He won a total of 16 tackles throughout the competition, exemplifying his tactical discipline and aerial prowess despite his 176 cm stature. The final against also marked Cannavaro's 100th international appearance, a milestone celebrated by lifting the trophy as captain. Throughout the match, he effectively neutralized Zidane, limiting the French playmaker's influence until Zidane's controversial sending-off for headbutting in extra time. Cannavaro received no cards during his 690 minutes on the pitch, underscoring his clean and authoritative defending. Cannavaro's World Cup heroics directly led to individual accolades, including the , awarded on November 27, making him only the third defender to win the honor after and . He also claimed the World Player of the Year award on December 18, becoming the first defender to receive it and recognizing his leadership in Italy's triumph.

Post-2006 career and retirement

Following the victory, Cannavaro retained the Italy captaincy and featured prominently in qualifying campaigns, but his international career faced challenges due to injuries and team struggles. Heading into , Cannavaro suffered an ankle injury during a session on 2 June 2008, colliding with teammate , which ruled him out of the entire tournament. Without their captain, advanced from Group C with draws against the (0–0) and (1–1), followed by a 2–0 win over , before exiting in the quarter-finals with a 0–0 draw against that went to penalties (Spain won 4–2). Cannavaro returned for the in , where Italy competed in Group B. In their final group match against on 21 June 2009, a 0–3 defeat, Cannavaro equalled Paolo Maldini's national record of 126 appearances, though the result led to Italy's group-stage elimination with three points from three games. He surpassed the record later that year, earning his 127th cap in a friendly against on 12 August 2009. Cannavaro's final major tournament was the in , where he started all three group matches as , the defending champions, disappointingly failed to advance. They drew 1–1 with on 14 June and 1–1 with on 20 June before a 0–3 loss to on 24 June, finishing bottom of Group F and exiting at the group stage. On 25 June 2010, one day after the defeat to , Cannavaro announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career with 136 caps and 2 goals for .

Managerial career

Al-Ahli

Fabio Cannavaro began his coaching career at Al-Ahli , the club where he had concluded his playing days. After announcing his retirement from professional football in July 2011 due to persistent injuries sustained during his time as a player with the team, Cannavaro stayed on with Al-Ahli in a non-playing capacity. He was initially appointed as the club's global and technical consultant in August 2011, allowing him to contribute to the team's strategic direction while adapting to a behind-the-scenes role. In July 2013, Cannavaro took a more hands-on role as first-team coach and assistant to head manager , marking his formal entry into coaching. Under this setup, Al-Ahli enjoyed a successful 2013–14 season, clinching the UAE Pro-League title—their first since 2009—and the . Cannavaro's involvement emphasized defensive organization and tactical discipline, drawing from his renowned playing expertise as a center-back, which helped stabilize the squad amid competitive domestic challenges. Cannavaro's tenure at Al-Ahli concluded in November 2014 when he departed to pursue a head opportunity abroad, ending his initial foray into after contributing to the club's continental group stage participation in the , where Al-Ahli finished third in their group. His time in laid the groundwork for future roles, blending advisory duties with on-field responsibilities.

Guangzhou Evergrande and Al-Nassr

In November 2014, Fabio Cannavaro was appointed head coach of club Guangzhou Evergrande, succeeding his former national team manager , who had stepped down to focus on an advisory role. Cannavaro, drawing on his experience as a player in from his time at Al-Ahli in the UAE, aimed to implement a disciplined defensive structure suited to the league's physical demands. However, his tenure lasted only seven months, marked by adaptation challenges and inconsistent results as the team struggled to replicate Lippi's dominance. Cannavaro's Guangzhou side began the 2015 season with mixed performances, including early draws and losses that highlighted tactical mismatches against high-pressing opponents. On June 4, 2015, following a frustrating 2-2 home draw against Teda, club officials abruptly entered the locker room to announce his dismissal, citing the need for a more experienced hand to salvage the title defense. Replaced by , Cannavaro left without securing any silverware, as finished second in the league under the new coach, underscoring the high expectations and short leash for managers at the ambitious club. His brief spell emphasized youth integration, with academy prospects like Huang Xiyang receiving opportunities, though results prioritized immediate competitiveness over long-term development. Seeking a swift rebound, Cannavaro joined champions Al-Nassr on October 24, 2015, on a contract until the season's end, replacing Jorge da Silva amid the club's aim to defend their title. In the Middle Eastern league, he focused on bolstering defensive , leveraging his expertise as one of Italy's greatest center-backs to instill positional awareness and counter-attacking efficiency. Over 14 matches, Al-Nassr recorded six wins, four draws, and four losses under his guidance, but a poor run—including consecutive defeats—saw the team slip to sixth place, 18 points adrift of leaders Al-Hilal by February 2016. Cannavaro was sacked on , 2016, after failing to reignite the title challenge, with the club prioritizing stability for the remainder of the campaign. Al-Nassr ultimately finished eighth in the 2015–16 standings, their worst position in years as defending champions, reflecting the mixed adaptation to Cannavaro's tactical setup in a league transitioning toward greater professionalism. Across both stints, his record yielded limited trophies but highlighted efforts in defensive discipline and blending young talents, laying groundwork for future Asian ventures despite the short durations and performance pressures.

Tianjin Quanjian and China national team

In June 2016, Fabio Cannavaro was appointed head coach of , a second-division Chinese club, marking his return to coaching in after a previous stint with . Taking over mid-season, he guided the team to the 2016 title, securing promotion to the with a strong finish that included high-scoring victories emphasizing offensive play. Under his leadership, scored 89 goals across all competitions during his tenure, reflecting an attacking style that propelled the club forward. In their debut Super League season in 2017, Cannavaro's finished third, qualifying for the group stage and earning him the Coach of the Year award. His overall record at the club stood at 28 wins, 10 draws, and 12 losses in 50 matches, achieving a points-per-match average of 1.88. Cannavaro resigned on November 6, 2017, by mutual agreement with the club, citing a desire to pursue new challenges after a successful promotion and consolidation period. Cannavaro's experience in the Chinese football system, gained through his time at Guangzhou Evergrande, positioned him for a brief international role. In March 2019, he was appointed interim of the national team while still managing Guangzhou, tasked with leading the side at the tournament. His tenure included two matches: a 1-0 semifinal loss to on March 21 and a 1-0 defeat to in the third-place playoff on March 25. Cannavaro resigned from the national team role on April 28, 2019, after just six weeks, returning his focus to club duties amid the short-term nature of the appointment. During this period, he emphasized the long-term potential of Chinese football, stating that development required a structured system rather than quick fixes, and highlighted the need for sustained investment to elevate the sport domestically and internationally.

Guangzhou Evergrande return

Cannavaro returned to Guangzhou Evergrande as manager on 9 November 2017, following his successful promotion of Quanjian to the , marking his second spell at the club after a brief and unsuccessful first tenure in 2014–2015. During this four-year period, Cannavaro guided to significant domestic success, securing the title in 2019—the club's eighth in nine years—while finishing as runners-up in both 2018 and 2020. In continental competition, his team advanced to the semi-finals of the , where they were eliminated by with a 3–0 aggregate defeat. Cannavaro's overall record at during this stint comprised 125 matches, with 79 wins, 23 draws, and 23 losses, reflecting a points-per-match average of 2.08. He emphasized player development, notably mentoring young forward Wei Shihao, whom he praised for performing well under pressure and who contributed significantly with goals during key matches. The 2020 season tested Cannavaro's adaptability amid the , as the was condensed into a bio-secure bubble format in to mitigate health risks, yet still achieved second place. His tenure ended on 28 September 2021 by mutual consent, amid the club's mounting financial difficulties tied to parent company Evergrande's and a poor start to the season that included several heavy defeats.

European clubs: Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb

In September 2022, Fabio Cannavaro returned to European management by taking over as head coach of Serie B club , signing a contract until June 2024 after a period without a club following his departure from Evergrande. Drawing on his tactical experience from Asian leagues, Cannavaro aimed to stabilize a mid-table side, but his tenure proved challenging due to squad limitations and inconsistent performances. Over 17 matches, he recorded 3 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses, with a points-per-match average of 0.94, as struggled in the lower half of the table. Early difficulties led Cannavaro to offer his after just four games, citing adaptation issues, but club president Oreste Vigorito rejected it, insisting on continuity. However, a winless run culminated in his sacking on February 4, 2023, alongside director of sport Pasquale Foggia, after a 1-0 defeat to left the team 17th. After over a year away from coaching, Cannavaro was appointed interim manager of club Udinese on April 22, 2024, replacing amid a relegation battle, with the team 17th and three points from safety. High expectations rested on his defensive expertise to shore up a leaky backline, but limited time and squad depth posed immediate hurdles. In six matches, Cannavaro achieved 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, averaging 1.50 points per match and conceding just five goals while securing survival with a crucial 1-0 victory over on the final day. Despite this success, his short-term contract expired without extension, and Cannavaro departed on June 8, 2024, expressing gratitude but citing differing visions for the future. Cannavaro's European phase continued with his appointment as head coach of Croatian champions Dinamo on December 30, 2024, succeeding after the club sacked him following a poor run. Tasked with restoring dominance in the HNL amid high expectations as perennial title holders, Cannavaro faced pressure from a squad expecting immediate results despite internal transitions. Across 14 matches, he managed 7 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, with a 1.64 points-per-match rate, including successes in cup competitions but faltering in league play where Dinamo dropped points against rivals. Struggles to maintain the title challenge, exacerbated by squad limitations and tactical adjustments, led to his dismissal on April 9, 2025, as the team fell out of contention for an eighth straight championship. These stints marked a turbulent return to for Cannavaro, characterized by short tenures and adaptation challenges, with an overall record of 12 wins in 37 matches across the three clubs.

Uzbekistan national team

In October 2025, Fabio Cannavaro was appointed as head coach of the by the , replacing who had led the team through their historic qualification for the . The appointment came just months before Uzbekistan's debut appearance at the finals in , with Cannavaro signing a two-year contract extending through the tournament to guide the "" in their preparations. Drawing from his experience as a -winning defender, Cannavaro has emphasized defensive organization and tactical discipline, aiming to build a resilient backline capable of competing against stronger opponents while integrating younger players alongside experienced qualifiers. Cannavaro's early tenure has focused on fostering team cohesion and preparing for both the group stage—where progression would mark a significant milestone for the Central Asian side—and the build-up to the . His approach prioritizes a compact defensive structure, reflecting the organizational principles that defined his playing career with in 2006, to counter the physical and technical demands of international fixtures. Uzbekistan's first-ever participation underscores the high stakes, with Cannavaro targeting at least advancement from the group stage through disciplined play and strategic youth development. In his initial matches, secured a 2–0 friendly victory over on October 9, 2025, providing Cannavaro with an encouraging start, followed by a 1–2 defeat to on October 13, 2025, where he praised the team's motivation and defensive resilience despite the loss against a top South American side. On November 14, 2025, recorded another 2–0 friendly win, this time over . These games served as key testing grounds for his tactical setup, with an emphasis on blending emerging talents to ensure long-term sustainability beyond the 2026 tournament. Cannavaro's recent stint at Dinamo in has informed this preparation, offering insights into high-level competitive demands.

Playing style and reception

Playing style

Fabio Cannavaro, standing at 1.76 meters tall, was considered short for a centre-back but compensated effectively through his exceptional pace, tenacity, game-reading ability, and technical proficiency. These attributes allowed him to excel in defensive duels where physical might otherwise disadvantage him, enabling him to perform at the elite level across multiple leagues and international tournaments. His versatility was a hallmark of his career, as he could operate seamlessly as a centre-back or shift to right-back when required, adapting to tactical demands with tactical and positional . Cannavaro's and positioning were particularly outstanding, allowing him to intercept passes and neutralize threats before they developed, often reading opponents' movements with precision. , defending demanded constant focus on anticipating plays, as demonstrated in high-stakes matches against elite midfielders. Despite his stature, Cannavaro was formidable in aerial duels, leveraging impressive jumping ability, timing, and physical strength to win headers and clear dangers effectively. His tackling was tenacious and well-timed, combining aggression with clean execution to dispossess attackers without fouling, as seen in iconic challenges against legends like . Cannavaro's quick recovery speed further enhanced his defensive coverage, enabling rapid pursuits to regain position during transitions. From the back, he demonstrated precise passing, contributing to build-up play with accurate distribution that reflected his technical comfort on the ball. Leadership defined his approach, captaining during their triumph, where he not only organized the defense but also maintained team focus under pressure—his style shone brightest in man-marking systems, much like fellow Italian great , to whom he was often compared for his intelligent reading of the game.

Reception and legacy

Cannavaro is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history, having been named to Pelé's list of the world's greatest living players in 2004. His exceptional performances earned him high rankings in prestigious awards, winning the as the only defender to claim the honor in the . Over his club career, Cannavaro made 694 appearances across teams in , , and the UAE, showcasing his longevity and consistency at the elite level. Cannavaro's defensive prowess inspired training methodologies in , emphasizing tactical positioning, anticipation, and collective organization that became hallmarks of the national team's success. In 2005, alongside his brother Paolo and former teammate , he co-founded the Fondazione Cannavaro-Ferrara, a charity dedicated to supporting youth football and educational programs for disadvantaged children in , raising millions to promote social inclusion through sport. Media portrayals often depicted Cannavaro as the "Berlin Wall" anchoring Italy's impenetrable defense during the 2006 World Cup, a nickname reflecting his unyielding presence and leadership. His style influenced modern centre-backs, including Giorgio Chiellini, who cited Cannavaro's explosiveness, game-reading ability, and composure as benchmarks for Italian defenders.

Personal life and media

Personal life

Cannavaro married his longtime partner Daniela Arenoso on 17 June 1996. The couple has three children: Christian (born 1999), Martina (born 2001), and Andrea (born 2004). His younger brother, , is also a former professional footballer who played as a defender, notably for Napoli and , where he joined Fabio in 1999. Despite his international career, Cannavaro has maintained close ties to his hometown of , where he owns property. In 2005, he co-founded the Fondazione Cannavaro-Ferrara with and to support social projects aiding disadvantaged youth in , including those with disabilities and learning difficulties. The foundation has funded numerous initiatives over nearly two decades, focusing on , , and community development for children and young people in need. Cannavaro's upbringing in the working-class Fuorigrotta neighborhood of instilled values of resilience and family loyalty that have shaped his .

Media and endorsements

Following his retirement from playing, Fabio Cannavaro has engaged in various media and ambassadorial roles within football. He served as a FIFA ambassador for the 2014 , assisting in the final draw ceremony in Salvador as a representative of Italy's 2006 winning team alongside figures like and . Cannavaro had a long-term endorsement deal with PUMA from 2006 to 2011, aligning with the brand's sponsorship of the Italian national team during their triumph and subsequent campaigns, where he featured prominently in promotional materials as Italy's most capped player. He has also held endorsements with Nike, appearing in high-profile advertising campaigns such as the 2006 "Write the Future" promotion and earlier ads that highlighted his defensive prowess alongside stars like and . In broadcasting, Cannavaro has served as a TV for Sky Sport Italia, offering expert analysis on matches, international tournaments, and tactical breakdowns, including interviews and commentary during the 2022/23 season. He has additionally contributed to documentaries on the World Cup, such as the FIFA film "The Grand Finale" narrated by and the series "When the World Watched: 2006," where he reflects on his captaincy and the tournament's dramatic narrative. Cannavaro supports charitable causes through UNICEF campaigns, participating in Soccer Aid charity matches that raised over £6.6 million in 2016 for children's welfare programs, alongside players like and . He also visited schools in as part of UNICEF's 2010 "School Adventure" initiative to promote education and football among underprivileged youth. While active on with over 2 million followers as of November 2025, where he shares coaching updates and motivational content, Cannavaro maintains a relatively restrained presence compared to contemporary athletes, focusing on professional rather than personal oversharing.

Controversies

Doping allegations

In 1999, while playing for , Cannavaro was captured on video receiving an intravenous injection of Neoton () the night before the Cup final against . The substance, used in to protect the heart and not listed on the (WADA) prohibited list at the time, sparked an investigation when the footage resurfaced in 2005. Cannavaro's lawyer confirmed the injection was for muscle recovery and regeneration, and the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) cleared him of any wrongdoing, ruling it non-doping. In 2009, shortly after returning to Juventus, Cannavaro failed a post-match for following treatment for an sting sustained on August 28. Juventus attributed the positive result to emergency anti-allergy medication containing the banned , which is permitted with a therapeutic use exemption but was not documented in advance. CONI provisionally suspended him pending review, but acquitted him on October 12 after verifying the medical necessity and contamination from the sting treatment, emphasizing no intentional violation. Both incidents resulted in short provisional suspensions that were never enforced, as Cannavaro was exonerated in each case, maintaining his overall clean doping record throughout his career. They generated brief media scrutiny in , with Cannavaro publicly criticizing sensationalist coverage, but imposed no long-term bans or penalties on his professional standing. Cannavaro's villa near Naples became the subject of legal scrutiny during a 2014 tax evasion probe, when Italian authorities investigated him and his wife, Daniela Arenoso, for allegedly underreporting income through their company, FD Service, involving unpaid corporation tax, regional tax, and VAT totaling over €1 million from 2005 to 2010. The investigation did not result in reported convictions, and Cannavaro maintained that the company handled legitimate image rights and endorsements, denying any intentional evasion. As part of the investigation, police seized assets including the villa, a yacht, and other goods worth approximately €900,000 to €1 million. In February 2015, while coaching Guangzhou Evergrande in China, Cannavaro received a 10-month suspended prison sentence for breaching a court order by entering the seized villa—specifically, for swimming in its pool despite a police seal. His wife and brother, Pasquale Cannavaro, received similar sentences for related violations. In the same trial, the trio were acquitted on planning permission charges related to unpermitted renovations and expansions on the property. The trio immediately appealed the ruling on the entering violation, suspending enforcement pending a final verdict; as of 2025, no further convictions or enforcement have been reported, and the case did not impact his professional career. These incidents have been characterized as administrative and financial oversights rather than criminal intent, with Cannavaro continuing his managerial roles uninterrupted.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Cannavaro's club career encompassed stints at several prominent teams, where he demonstrated defensive prowess across domestic leagues, cups, and European tournaments. In domestic league competitions, he accumulated 531 appearances and 16 goals, spanning , , and the . The breakdown of his domestic league statistics by club is as follows:
ClubAppearancesGoals
Napoli581
2125
Inter502
Juventus1016
Real Madrid940
Al-Ahli162
Total53116
Beyond league play, Cannavaro featured in numerous domestic cup matches and European fixtures, enhancing his overall club record. Notably, he made 34 appearances in the UEFA Cup and Champions League, primarily during his Parma and Juventus tenures, contributing to Parma's victory. For a season-by-season overview of his domestic league performances, the following table details appearances and goals:
SeasonClubLeagueAppearancesGoals
1992–93Napoli20
1993–94Napoli270
1994–95Napoli291
1995–96291
1996–97270
1997–98310
1998–99301
1999–2000312
2000–01330
2001–02311
2002–03Inter280
2003–04Inter222
2004–05Juventus382
2005–06Juventus364
2006–07Real Madrid320
2007–08Real Madrid330
2008–09Real Madrid290
2009–10Juventus270
2010–11Al-AhliUAE League162
Total53116
These figures underscore his reliability, with the majority of appearances coming in Italy's during his time at and Juventus.

International statistics

Fabio Cannavaro made his debut for the Italy national team on 22 January 1997 in a 2–0 friendly win against and retired internationally after the , having earned 136 caps and scored 2 goals overall. As a central defender, he was appointed captain in 2002 following Paolo Maldini's international retirement and led the Azzurri in numerous matches, including their triumphant campaign. In August 2009, Cannavaro surpassed Maldini's record of 126 caps to become Italy's most-capped outfield player, a position he held until surpassed by others in subsequent years. Cannavaro's international appearances spanned major tournaments, qualifiers, and friendlies, showcasing his reliability and leadership in defensive setups. He featured in four World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010), two (2000 and 2004), and the , though he missed due to injury and had a limited role in the 2010 World Cup owing to age and form. His goals came in non-tournament matches: one in a 2000 friendly against and another during 2004 qualifying against . The following table summarizes Cannavaro's appearances and goals by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
finals180
finals80
20
World Cup qualifiers320
qualifiers271
Friendlies491
Total1362

Managerial statistics

As of 15 November 2025, Cannavaro's managerial record across all competitions is as follows:
Team (total)PldWDLWin %
Total255140565954.90

Honours and awards

As player

Fabio Cannavaro's playing career was marked by significant team successes across multiple leagues and competitions, culminating in his leadership of to international glory. His honours reflect his pivotal role in defensive lines for clubs like , Juventus, Real Madrid, and Al-Ahli, as well as the Italian national team.

International honours

Club honours

  • UEFA Cup: 1998–99 (Parma)
  • : 1998–99, 2001–02 (Parma)
  • : 1999/00 (Parma)
  • Serie A: 2004–05, 2005–06 (Juventus; titles revoked following the scandal)
  • : 2006–07, 2007–08 (Real Madrid)

Individual honours

As manager

Cannavaro began his managerial career in Asia, where he achieved several notable successes with club teams in the and . Drawing on his experience as a world-class defender, he emphasized solid defensive organization in his teams, often prioritizing tactical to secure results. His tenure has been marked by promotions, league titles, and cup wins, though he has yet to claim major international honors as of November 2025.
  • Tianjin Quanjian (China, 2016–2017): Cannavaro led the club to the China League One championship in 2016, earning promotion to the Chinese Super League.
  • Guangzhou Evergrande (China, 2017–2021): During his second stint, Cannavaro secured the Chinese FA Super Cup in 2018 and the Chinese Super League title in 2019, the club's eighth in the competition. The team also reached the semi-finals of the 2019 AFC Champions League under his leadership, eliminating defending champions Kashima Antlers before falling to Urawa Red Diamonds.
  • Uzbekistan national team (2025–present): Appointed in October 2025 following qualification for the , Cannavaro is preparing the team for their debut at the finals, with no major trophies won to date.

Individual honours and orders

Cannavaro's standout performances, particularly as captain of the national team during the , earned him several prestigious individual accolades that year, recognizing his defensive prowess and leadership. He became the first defender to win the since 1990, awarded by for the world's best player. Similarly, he was named the FIFA , the only defender ever to receive this honor from the sport's governing body. At the World Cup itself, Cannavaro earned the Silver Ball as the tournament's second-best player, behind . In Italy, Cannavaro was honored as the best defender of the 2005–06 season, winning the Oscar del Calcio award from the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC). He also claimed the Serie A Footballer of the Year title for his contributions at Juventus during that campaign. Cannavaro received notable state and sporting orders for his achievements. In 2000, following Italy's run to the UEFA European Championship final, he was appointed Cavaliere dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic) by decree. After captaining Italy to World Cup victory in 2006, he was awarded the Collare d'oro al Merito Sportivo (Golden Collar for Sporting Merit) by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Other recognitions include his inclusion in the list of the greatest living footballers, selected by in 2004 to mark 's centenary. He was also selected for the in 2006, as voted by users on .com.
AwardYearSource
2006France Football
FIFA World Player of the Year2006
Silver Ball2006
Oscar del Calcio (Best Defender)2006AIC
Footballer of the Year2006
Cavaliere 2000Italian Republic
Collare d'oro al Merito Sportivo2006CONI
2004/
2006

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