It is the second time that the 2006 Ballon d'Or winner has taken charge of a national team, having coached China for two matches in early 2019 before stepping down.

“The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro — a renowned specialist, one of the best defenders of his generation, a four-time World Cup participant, and the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup,” the Uzbekistan Football Association said in an Instagram post also shared on Cannavaro's official account.

“The Italian coach will lead our national team in preparation for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.”

Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.