Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro (born Naples September 13, 1973) is an Italian football player and as of 2006, captain of the Italian national team, also called "nazionale".
Fabio Cannavaro was born in Naples, Italy, and although not being tall for a central defender (176 cm), he is considered one of the best defenders of the 1990s and early 2000s. During his career in the Italian championship, he has played for Napoli (1992-95), Parma (1995-2002), Inter Milan (2002-04) and Juventus (2004-current). In 1998-99 he won the UEFA Cup and Italian Cup with Parma. In Juventus, he has re-joined his ex-Parma partners Lilian Thuram and Gianluigi Buffon. They formed one of the best defensive lines in Serie A and Cannavaro won his first scudetto with Juventus in 2005. And now he is playing in Real Madrid team.
Cannavaro is especially noted for his reading of the game, an ability that often sees him make countless interceptions during games. He is also tipped as the best pure defender in the world and this is the main factor that has compensated his lack of height, making him one of the finest central-backs formed in Italy.
Fabio made his international debut in January 1997 against Northern Ireland and has earned 100 caps for Italy. He has played for his country in the 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Cup, as well as Euro 2000 and Euro 2004. His crowning moment was lifting the World Cup in 2006, the night of his 100th cap. He also won the silver ball for his outstanding play in the tournament.
He captained Italy throughout their victorious 2006 World Cup run, their first World Cup win in 24 years. Now Fabio Cannavaro is playing in Real Madrid.
Fabio Cannavaro is also a sex symbol in his native Italy and was recently voted "sexiest player" of the 2006 World Cup. He was the runner up in the race for the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the world cupīs best player, Zinedine Zidane. Cannavaro was chosen as a world cup all-star at the end of the tournament. He joins 6 other Italian team mates.
Fabio Cannavaro News
Death overshadows Italy build-up
Italy's preparations for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland are marred by the accidental death of a Lazio fan.
Key battles: Scotland v Italy
BBC Sport on where the Euro 2008 qualifier will be won and lost
Italy call up striker Palladino
Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino is called up into the Italy squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers in Scotland and at home to Faroe Islands.
Italy to experiment against SA
World Champions Italy will field an experimental side when they play 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa.
England quartet up for Fifa award
Four England internationals are on the shortlist for the Fifa world player of the year award.
Cannavaro 'turned down Chelsea'
Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro rejects the chance to join Chelsea, says his agent.
Scotland warned by wounded Italy
Captain Fabio Cannavaro warns Scotland that Italy are determined to put on a good show on Wednesday.
Champions League clockwatch
Arsenal and Celtic crash out but Man Utd are through on a mixed night of Champions League action.
Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich
Real Madrid narrowly beat Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu thanks to two goals from Raul.
Real lose at home on sombre day
Real Madrid are beaten 3-0 by Recreativo Huelva at home in a game overshadowed by the deaths of four supporters.
Cannavaro wins Fifa player crown
Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro is named Fifa World Player of the Year.
