Cannavaro reportedly chosen for Udinese job

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: Fabio Cannavaro arrives before the International Friendly match between Venezuela and Italy at Chase Stadium on March 21, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Multiple reports claim that Udinese have decided to sack coach Gabriele Cioffi and bring in Fabio Cannavaro as their third tactician of the season.

There had already been reports last night that Cioffi was at risk following the 1-0 defeat to Hellas Verona, even though that match was decided deep into stoppages by a Diego Coppola header.

Several alternatives were mentioned in the media, including Leonardo Semplici, Edoardo Reja and even the promotion of Giampiero Pinzi.

However, Sky Sport Italia maintain this evening that Cannavaro has been chosen and will begin work in training on Monday.

DAZN and Sportitalia claim that Reja had rejected the job because Udinese wanted former player Pinzi to be part of the staff, whereas Cannavaro eventually accepted.

His younger brother Paolo will also be part of the coaching group.

Cannavaro new to Serie A

It would be the first coaching role for 2006 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner Cannavaro in Serie A.

His only previous Italian experience as a manager was a brief spell at Benevento in Serie B from September 2022 to February 2023.

Other jobs were at Guangzhou Evergrande, Al-Nassr, Tianjin Quanjian and as the interim coach of the China national team.

As for Cioffi, he had taken the Udinese job on October 25 to replace Andrea Sottil.

He oversaw four wins, 10 draws and 10 defeats between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.