France, June 2 -- Fittingly for a team nicknamed "Asian Italy", a reference to their blue and white kit and defensive style of play, Uzbekistan will be coached at their first World Cup by former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro.

The 52-year-old, who captained Italy to the World Cup title in 2006, took over last October from former Uzbekistan international Timur Kapadze.

Capped 119 times over a 13-year international career, Kapadze had worked with Uzbekistan's Olympic team for three years before taking charge in January 2025, succeeding Srecko Katanec, who had stepped down due to illness.

Kapadze built on the foundations Katanec had laid in the second round of Asian qualifying between November 2023 and June 2024. With 13 points from six o...