Fabio Cannavaro: Difference between revisions

| currentclub = [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] (manager)

| manageryears8 = 2024–2024

'''Fabio Cannavaro''' {{postnominals|post-noms=[[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic|Ufficiale OMRI]]}} ({{IPA-|it|ˈfaːbjo kannaˈvaːro}}; born 13 September 1973) is an Italian professional [[association football|football]] coach and former player. He is regarded as one of the greatest [[Defender (association football)|defender]]s of all time.<ref name="Cannavaro deserves Ballon d'Or">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/6185490.stm|title=Cannavaro 'deserves' Ballon d'Or|publisher=BBC Sport|first=John|last=Sinnott|date=27 November 2006|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="fourfourtwo">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/101-greatest-football-players-last-25-years-full-list|title=Ranked! The 101 greatest football players of the last 25 years: full list|edition=253|work=[[FourFourTwo]]|date=13 February 2018|accessdate=22 December 2023}}</ref> He is currently the manager of {{Italian football updater|Udinese}} side [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]].

A [[centre-back]], he spent the majority of his career in Italy. He started his career at [[SSC Napoli|Napoli]] before spending seven years at [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]], with whom he won two [[Coppa Italia]] titles, the [[1999 Supercoppa Italiana]], and the [[1999 UEFA Cup final|1999]] [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]]. After spells at [[Inter Milan]] and [[Juventus FC|Juventus]], he transferred (along with manager [[Fabio Capello]]) from Juventus to [[Real Madrid CF|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 Dubai|Al-Ahli]].

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 [[FIFA World Cup awards#Golden Ball|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 Ballon d'Or|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]].<ref>[http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/cannavaro-discusses-highs-and-lows/66691 "Cannavaro discusses highs and lows"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216084627/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/cannavaro-discusses-highs-and-lows/66691|date=16 December 2013}}. Football Federation Australia. Retrieved 18 November 2013.</ref><ref name="Cannavaro only third defender to win coveted Ballon d'Or">{{cite news |date=27 November 2006 |title=Cannavaro only third defender to win coveted Ballon d'Or |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/nov/28/newsstory.sport1 |access-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>

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 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]], having amassed 136 caps and 2 goals for the senior national team.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12098_6228121,00.html |title=Cannavaro quits Italy duty |work=[[Sky Sports]] |date=25 June 2010 |access-date=5 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628010011/http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12098_6228121,00.html |archive-date=28 June 2010}}</ref> In total, he represented Italy at four [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]]s, two [[UEFA European Championship]]s, the [[Football at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1996 Summer Olympics]] and the [[2009 FIFA Confederations Cup]]. He is currently Italy's [[Italy national football team records#Appearances|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 football team|China national team]] in 2019. He was most recently the head coach of [[Serie B]] club [[Benevento Calcio|Benevento]] in the 2022-2023 season, and in April 2024, he became head coach of [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]], successfully leading the club clear of the relegation zone.

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 [[SSC Giugliano|Giugliano]]. He has an elder sister named Renata and a younger brother named [[Paolo Cannavaro|Paolo]], who was also a professional footballer.<ref name="family">[http://www.cannaddicted.com/New%20design/Fabio/family.html "Family"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804025815/http://www.cannaddicted.com/New%20design/Fabio/family.html |date=4 August 2010 }}. ''CannAddicted.com''.</ref><ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro">{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/fabio-cannavaro.html|title=Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro|website=storiedicalcio.altervista.org|language=it|access-date=17 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO">{{cite web|url=http://ilpalloneracconta.blogspot.ca/2012/09/fabio-cannavaro.html|title=Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO|website=ilpalloneracconta.blogspot.ca|language=it|date=14 September 2014|access-date=17 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="tuttojuve.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-fabio-cannavaro-62876|title=Gli eroi in bianconero: Fabio CANNAVARO|website=tuttojuve.com|publisher=Tutto Juve|language=it|first=Stefano|last=Bedeschi|date=15 September 2013|access-date=15 December 2015}}</ref>

Cannavaro was sold to Parma in the summer of 1995, and in his first season, he was instantly a regular inon the first team, scoring once in 29 appearances in the league. He would go on not only to win trophies with the club, but alsoand 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 [[1995–96 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], but finished in sixth place in [[1995–96 Serie A|Serie A]] that season, qualifying for the [[1996–97 UEFA Cup|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|1996–97 Serie A season]] as runners-up to Serie A champions Juventus, allowing them to qualify for the [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]] the following season. Parma were once again eliminated in the second round of the [[1996–97 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] and in the first round of the [[1996–97 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] that season. In the [[1997–98 Serie A|1997–98 season]], Parma finished in fifth place in Serie A and reached the [[1997–98 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] semi-finals, whilst they were knocked out in the group stage of the [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], finishing second in their group to defending champions [[Borussia Dortmund]].<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

In his [[1998–99 Serie A|fourth season]] with the club, Cannavaro won his only European trophy, the [[1998–99 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], as well as winning the [[1998–99 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]]. Parma finished the Serie A season in fourth place, with one point from [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] in the third place spot. In the [[1999–2000 Serie A|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 F.C.|Rangers]]. They were knocked out in the round of 16 of both the [[1999–2000 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]] and the [[1999–2000 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] that season.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

In the [[2000–01 Serie A|2000–01 season]], Cannavaro aided in leading Parma to another [[2000–01 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia final]], in which they were defeated by Fiorentina. They were eliminated in the third round of the [[2000–01 UEFA Cup|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 [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League|Champions League qualifying round]], although Parma were ultimately unable to qualify. In his final season with Parma, Cannavaro managed to win his second [[2001–02 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]] title, over Juventus, whilst Parma were eliminated in the round of 16 of the [[2001–02 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], and finished the [[2001–02 Serie A|Serie A season]] in tenth place. As fromIn 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.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

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 UEFA Champions League|2002–03 Champions League]] and also finished runners-up in [[2002–03 Serie A|Serie A]] to Juventus in his first season with the club. However, his [[2003–04 Serie A|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 [[2003–04 Coppa Italia|Coppa Italia]], losing out to Juventus on penalties. Inter finished third in their [[2003–04 UEFA Champions League|Champions League group]], but would go on to reach the quarter-finals of the [[2003–04 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]]. After two years with the club, he was sold to Juventus in a surprising 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.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

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. 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 [[2009–10 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]], finishing third in their group.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="tuttojuve.com"/>

Cannavaro's first international tournament came at [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998 World Cup]] alongside the experienced and capable [[Giuseppe Bergomi]], [[Alessandro Costacurta]] and Paolo Maldini, as well as the emerging Alessandro Nesta., The squad itself being coached bywith 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 with the match, eventually being decided by a penalty shoot-out in favour of the hosts.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>

At [[UEFA Euro 2000|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 [[Formation (association football)#3–5–2|3–5–2 formation]]. The Italian defence only conceded two goals ''en route'' to the [[UEFA Euro 2000 final|final]]: one against [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]], and one against [[Sweden men's national football team|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.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/>

At the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|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 national football team|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.<ref name="The tragic tale of Byron Moreno">{{cite news|url=https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/world-cup/the-tragic-tale-of-byron-moreno-the-worst-referee-ever/article19110587/?ref=https://www.theglobeandmail.com&|title=The tragic tale of Byron Moreno, "the worst referee, ever"|work=The Globe and Mail|first=John|last=Doyle|date=10 June 2014|access-date=12 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="25 stunning moments">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/01/world-cup-25-stunning-moments-italy-south-korea|title=World Cup: 25 stunning moments … No21: Italy lose to South Korea in 2002|work=The Guardian|first=Paolo|last=Bandini|date=1 June 2014|access-date=12 November 2017}}</ref> Italy went out controversially in the second round, losing to co-hosts and eventual semi-finalists [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]], once again to a golden goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wldcup.com/euro/2004/players_present/393_fabio_cannavaro.html |title=Cannavaro profile |work=Wldcup.com |access-date=5 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607115224/http://www.wldcup.com/euro/2004/players_present/393_fabio_cannavaro.html |archive-date=7 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/italia-corea-2002-complotto.html|title=Italia, Corea e Byron Moreno: COMPLOTTO?|trans-title=Italy, Korea and Byron Moreno: CONSPIRACY?|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref>

===Record Record-breaking caps at the 2009 Confederations Cup===

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.<ref name="Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale">{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/speciali/mondiali/sudafrica2010/squadre/italia/2010/06/24/news/slovacchia_italia_diretta-5119745/|title=Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale|trans-title=Shame Italy is out of the World Cup|work=La Repubblica|access-date=20 May 2015|language=it|first=Maurizio|last=Crosetti|date=24 June 2010}}</ref> The defending champions crashed out of the competition in the first round, losing 3–2 to [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] in their final group match, after drawing 1–1 against both [[New Zealand men's national football team|New Zealand]] and [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]].<ref name="Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale"/> Following Italy's failure to progress past the group stage, Cannavaro announced his retirement from international football.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="Il Pallone Racconta: Fabio CANNAVARO"/><ref name="Vergogna Italia E' fuori dal Mondiale"/> 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.<ref name="urchin"/><ref name="Nazionale in cifre: Cannavaro, Fabio"/> Cannavaro has also made the second-most appearances for [[Italy national football team records#Captains|Italy as captain]], behind only Buffon, wearing the armband on 79 occasions.<ref name="Storie di Calcio: Fabio Cannavaro"/><ref name="fondazionecannavaroferrara.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.fondazionecannavaroferrara.it/fondatori?lang=en|title=Founders: Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=Fondazione Cannavaro-Ferrara|access-date=20 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Buffon eguaglia Cannavaro">{{cite web|url=https://it.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/newsid=2507124.html?rss=2507124+Capitani+azzurri:+Buffon+eguaglia+Cannavaro|title=Capitani azzurri: Buffon eguaglia Cannavaro|publisher=UEFA|language=it|date=14 November 2017|access-date=15 November 2017}}</ref>

After his retirement, Cannavaro was appointed as a global brand ambassador and technical consultant of Al-Ahli Club of Dubai on 25 August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://takedubai.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239:fabio-cannavaro-starting-as-ambassador-for-dubai-based-club-al-ahli&catid=34:latest-news|title=Fabio Cannavaro starting as ambassador for Dubai-based club Al Ahli|work=Take Dubai.com|date=25 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331083705/http://takedubai.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=239%3Afabio-cannavaro-starting-as-ambassador-for-dubai-based-club-al-ahli&catid=34%3Alatest-news|archive-date=31 March 2012}}</ref> In July 2013, after [[Cosmin Olăroiu]] took charge as new head coach of Al-Ahli, Cannavaro was named as his first team coach.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://alahliclub.ae/en/index.php?go=news&more=727 |work=alahliclub.ae (official website) |date=6 July 2013 |title=Cosmin Olaroiu confirmed as Al Ahli coach on three-year deal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208145904/http://alahliclub.ae/en/index.php?go=news&more=727 |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> He guided Al-Ahli to [[UAE Arabian Gulf League|UAE Pro League]] and [[UAE Arabian Gulf Cup|UAE League Cup]] titles in his first season in charge.

On 5 November 2014, Cannavaro was named as the new head coach of [[Chinese Super League]] title-holder and four-time champions [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]], replacing his former national team manager Marcello Lippi. Cannavaro was formally unveiled by the club on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/arabian-gulf-league/fabio-cannavaro-offically-leaves-al-ahli-takes-guangzhou-evergrande-helm|title=Fabio Cannavaro officially leaves Al Ahli Dubai, takes Guangzhou Evergrande helm|work=The National|date=5 November 2014|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=16 June 2015}}</ref> On 4 June 2015, Guangzhou Evergrande suddenly announced Cannavaro was replaced by [[Luiz Felipe Scolari]] after a Super League match against [[Tianjin Teda F.C.|Tianjin Teda]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30020|title=广州恒大淘宝足球俱乐部－关于卡纳瓦罗先生不再担任广州恒大淘宝足球队执行主教练的公告|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024704/http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30020|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30021|title=广州恒大淘宝足球俱乐部－关于聘任斯科拉里先生担任广州恒大淘宝足球队主教练的公告|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-date=5 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605002147/http://www.gzevergrandefc.com/news.aspx?ftid=30021|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 24 October 2015, Cannavaro was named new head coach of Saudi Arabian club [[Al-Nassr FC|Al-Nassr]] replacing [[Jorge Orosmán da Silva|Jorge da Silva]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/74750/al-nassr-hire-cannavaro|title=Al-Nassr hire Cannavaro &#124; Football Italia|date=24 October 2015 |publisher=football-italia.net|access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> The following 11 February, he rescinded his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/it/news/94/calcio-internazionale/2016/02/11/20254682/fabio-cannavaro-saluta-larabia-rescissione-consensuale-con|title=Fabio Cannavaro saluta l'Arabia: rescissione consensuale con l'Al Nassr|publisher=Goal.com|language=it|date=11 February 2016|access-date=11 February 2016}}</ref>

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 Calcio|Benevento]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beneventocalcio.club/news/comunicatistampa/4826/fabio-cannavaro-e-il-nuovo-allenatore-del-benevento-calcio.shtml |publisher=[[Benevento Calcio]] |language=Italian |accessdate=21 September 2022 |date=21 September 2022 |title=FABIO CANNAVARO E' IL NUOVO ALLENATORE DEL BENEVENTO CALCIO}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.beneventocalcio.club/news/comunicatistampa/5059/comunicato-della-societa.shtml |publisher=[[Benevento Calcio]] |language=it |date=4 February 2023 |accessdate=4 February 2023 |title=COMUNICATO DELLA SOCIETA'}}</ref>

On 22 April 2024, Cannavaro became the new manager of [[Serie A]] club [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] in substitution of [[Gabriele Cioffi]].<ref>{{cite news |publisher=Udinese Calcio |language=it |date=22 April 2024 |accessdate=22 April 2024 |title=Fabio Cannavaro nuovo allenatore dell’Udinesedell'Udinese |url=https://www.udinese.it/news/squadra/fabio-cannavaro-nuovo-allenatore-delludinese}}</ref> A few days after escaping relegation on the final matchday of the season following a dramatic 1–0 away win against [[Frosinone Calcio|Frosinone]], who were overtaken by Udinese and got relegated following that result, the club announced Cannavaro's departure from the club.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nota ufficiale: Fabio Cannavaro |url=https://www.udinese.it/news/squadra/nota-ufficiale-fabio-cannavaro |access-date=2024-06-08 |publisher= Udinese Calcio |language=it}}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=28%|align=right|quote="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 back linebackline. 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."|source=—Amy Lawrence, ''The Guardian''.<ref name="calm amid storm"/>}}

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.<ref name="urchin">{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/14/sport/football/fabio-cannavaro-world-cup-football/|title=Fabio Cannavaro: The street urchin who became a World Cup 'legend'|publisher=CNN|first1=Matthew|last1=Ponsford|first2=Layla|last2=Maghribi|date=6 June 2014|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Cannavaro mister Pallone d'Oro">{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Primo_Piano/2006/11_Novembre/17/cannavaro.shtml|title=Cannavaro mister Pallone d'Oro|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=17 November 2006|access-date=19 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="temperament">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/13/giorgio-chiellini-italy-euro-2016|title=Giorgio Chiellini: 'I have a strong temperament but off the pitch I am more serene'|work=The Guardian|first=Paolo|last=Bandini|date=13 June 2016|access-date=31 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/euro2000/italy/player/Cannavaro.html|title=Profile: Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Mark|last=Thompson|date=13 July 2000|access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="calm amid storm">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/02/worldcup2006.sport20|title=Cannavaro stays calm amid storm|work=The Guardian|first=Amy|last=Lawrence|date=2 July 2006|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref name="volo">{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/sesto-cannavaro.shtml|title=Il volo di Bonucci e la classifica degli 8 migliori difensori italiani di sempre|work=Il Corriere della Sera|language=it|first=Mario|last=Sconcerti|date=23 November 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="glance">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1022803.stm|title=Italy squad at a glance|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 November 2015|date=14 November 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/euro2000/teams/italy/squad/742306.stm|title=BBC Sport: Euro 2000 Profile - Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=19 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/italy/squad/newsid_1859000/1859479.stm|title=Fabio Cannavaro|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2002|access-date=4 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Dear Matteo Darmian">{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/85318/dear-matteo-darmian|title=Dear Matteo Darmian|publisher=Football Italia|first=Andrea|last=Tallarita|date=3 June 2016|access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Come giocava il Parma di Malesani">{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/come-giocava-il-parma-di-malesani/ |title=Come giocava il Parma di Malesani |publisher=L'Ultimo Uomo |language=it-IT |date=23 January 2018 |access-date=2 May 2024 }}</ref> Nicknamed ''Canna'' ("reed"), by his former Italy defensive teammate Paolo Maldini,<ref name="calm amid storm"/> 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.<ref name="Cannavaro deserves Ballon d'Or"/><ref name="France and Italy"/><ref name="Italy from Albertini to Zola"/><ref name="Cannavaro mister Pallone d'Oro"/><ref name="calm amid storm"/> 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.<ref name="story"/><ref name="urchin"/><ref name="treccani2">{{cite web|url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/fabio-cannavaro_%28Lessico-del-XXI-Secolo%29/|title=Cannavaro, Fabio|publisher=Enciclopedia Treccani: Lessico del XXI Secolo (2012)|language=it|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="Così si vincono i Mondiali">{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.it/sport/calcio/italia-ritiro-cannavaro-come-vincere-mondiali-brasile-2014/|title=Fabio Cannavaro: "Così si vincono i Mondiali"|publisher=Panorama|language=it|first=Teobaldo|last=Semoli|date=20 May 2014|access-date=3 March 2017}}</ref>

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.<ref name="fondazionecannavaroferrara.it"/>

The night before the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, a video tapevideotape 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 [[Hypoxia (medical)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.faqs.org/sports-science/Mo-Pl/Phosphocreatine.html |title=Phosphocreatine|publisher=Faqs.org |access-date=7 June 2010}}</ref> No action was taken regarding this incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=cannavarovideo&prov=st&type=lgns |title=Cannavaro injection video troubles Italian sports executive|work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=29 April 2005 |access-date=7 June 2010}}</ref>

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 [[Italian National Olympic Committee|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 thea positive result. CONI later dropped charges against him.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8298063.stm |title=Cannavaro in failed doping test |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2009 |access-date=7 June 2010}}</ref>

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 it had beenauthorities seized by authoritiesit 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 has been made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/italy/story/2316926/fabio-cannavaro-appeals-10-month-jail-term-over-villa-report|title=Fabio Cannavaro appeals 10-month jail term over villa – report|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Ben|last=Gladwell|date=25 February 2015|access-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/25/fabio-cannavaro-10-month-jail-sentence|title=Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro handed 10-month jail sentence|work=The Guardian|date=25 February 2015|access-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

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