Cannavaro Appointed New China Coach

By Max Wise

Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro, has been named as the new head coach of the Chinese national team.

Cannavaro replaces the man who masterminded the Azzurri's triumph in Germany, Marcello Lippi, after the veteran Italian stepped down from his role following China’s AFC Asian Cup exit at the quarterfinal stage in January.

Cannavaro, who is currently the manager of Chinese Super League side, Guangzhou Evergrande, will juggle his club commitments with that of the national side.

"The association has carefully made this decision based on comprehensive research of his experience and technical and tactical style, familiarity with Chinese players and other factors," the CFA said.

The Chinese Football Association did not specify the length of Cannavaro’s contract, but the former Real Madrid defender will lead the side for next week’s four-nation China Cup tournament where they will face Thailand in the semi-final.

Uruguay and Uzbekistan are the two other nations competing in the tournament which will run from March 21 to March 25.

Cannavaro was Marcello Lippi’s captain when Italy lifted the FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006, with the former going on to win the FIFA Best Player later that year.

China currently lie 72nd on the FIFA World Rankings, and have only qualified once for the World Cup in Korea/Japan 2002.

Cannavaro,45, retired from football in 2011 at the age of 37 and played for the likes of Parma, Napoli, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid during his career.