Fabio Cannavaro's strange career path sees him become China's national coach
The Italian legend will combine his international duties alongside managing Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande
On Friday Fabio Cannavaro has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Chinese national team. The 45-year-old will combine his new job alongside coaching Chinese Super League side, Guangzhou Evergrande.
Cannavaro won the Balon d'Or in 2006 and takes over from Marcelo Lippi in the national hotseat. Lippi will instead move into a consulting role.
There will be no time to settle for Cannavaro as his first match in charge comes on the 21st march against Thailand. This is part of a friendly tournament which also involves Uzbequistán and Luis Suarez's Uruguay.
This will be the first time Cannavaro has tried his hand at international management, although he does have history in Asia. He's the current head coach of Guangzhou Evergrande and has spent time at Tianjin Quanjian (China) and Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia). Former Barça man Paulinho returned to Guangzhou and the team have responded with two victories in their last two matches.
