From cautious optimism to restrained scepticism, that is how the football community has reacted to Fabio Cannavaro’s appointment as head coach of the Uzbekistan national team.
Kursiv.uz gathered the views of analysts Alisher Nikimbaev and Narzulla Saidullaev, who assessed the potential risks, prospects and significance of this step for Uzbek football.
Risks and opportunities of Cannavaro’s arrival
According to Nikimbaev, the main risk is that the Italian has never worked with national teams.
«The work of a coach at club level and with a national side is very different. With a national team the coach does not control the daily training process and that could be a challenge,» he explained.
However, he also believes this could bring new opportunities.
«We are getting a former player with a global name and enormous experience. This brings attention to the team and additional knowledge he will share,» added Nikimbaev.
Saidullaev noted that Cannavaro takes charge with limited preparation time.
«He has only three FIFA windows — in October, November and March. A full training camp will only be possible in summer. If Fabio quickly understands the potential of our players, we can hope for a good result,» the journalist underlined.
Why Cannavaro was chosen
Both experts agree that the appointment was the outcome of long searches and compromises.
Nikimbaev reminded that the Uzbekistan Football Association initially considered only foreign specialists with high-level experience, and Cannavaro met these criteria. His name, in the analyst’s view, enhances the prestige of the team.
Saidullaev added that talks were held with several famous coaches:
«Joachim Löw, Fatih Terim, Slaven Bilić, Paulo Bento and others declined. I think Cannavaro became one of the last realistic options. He was a great player but as a coach he has not achieved major success yet,» he said.
Experience: threat or chance
Nikimbaev does not see Cannavaro’s lack of national team experience as critical.
«He will have enough time to study the players and establish contact with the squad. Several camps and friendlies will help build the necessary connections,» he said.
Saidullaev sees a positive side as well:
«Cannavaro has barely worked with national teams, just two matches with China. But there is always a first time. The World Cup will be a big school both for the coach and for Uzbekistan,» he added.
What will change in the team’s style
According to Saidullaev, the Italian will most likely focus on defence and discipline.
«Cannavaro is a typical Italian coach who prefers defensive football. The main thing is that he does not destroy the system built by Katanec,» he noted.
Nikimbaev believes the new head coach will have time to identify the team’s strengths and build a clear structure. The summer pre-tournament camps will, in his words, be decisive.
How Cannavaro fits into long-term strategy
Saidullaev reported that Cannavaro’s contract is structured as «1+4»: if the national team performs well at the World Cup, the deal will be extended.
«If Cannavaro keeps Timur Kapadze in the coaching staff, the focus on youth development will continue,» the analyst stressed.
The experts agree that Cannavaro’s appointment is a risky but logical step. He brings international experience, attention to detail and a name that can raise interest in the national team both at home and abroad.
The key question now is how quickly the Italian can adapt to the specifics of Uzbek football and strike a balance between ambition and realism.
Earlier Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the Uzbekistan Football Association had confirmed successful negotiations with Cannavaro.
