Croatian football club Dinamo Zagreb has announced the dismissal of Italian icon Fabio Cannavaro from his position as first-team coach.
The club released a statement confirming the decision: “Fabio Cannavaro`s tenure as coach of Dinamo`s first team concludes today, Wednesday.”
The statement continued, highlighting the brevity of Cannavaro`s stay: “He managed the team from the Maksimir Stadium for slightly over three months, overseeing 14 competitive fixtures and three exhibition games.”
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Cannavaro for his considerable dedication, commitment, and amiable nature, and we wish him success in his future endeavors, both in sports and in life.”
The club also announced interim arrangements: “Assistant coach Sandro Perkovic will take temporary charge of the team for the remainder of the current season.”
Cannavaro assumed the head coach role at Dinamo Zagreb in December of last year.
His first official match was against Arsenal in the Champions League, where Dinamo suffered a 3-0 defeat away at Emirates Stadium.
During his time with the club, the 51-year-old coach recorded seven wins, two draws, and five losses.
Despite Dinamo Zagreb`s president, Velimir Zajec, stating earlier in the week that Cannavaro would remain in charge for the upcoming match against NK Osijek, the club subsequently decided to terminate his contract.
Prior to his coaching career, Cannavaro had a distinguished playing career with prominent European clubs.
He played in Italy for Napoli, Parma, Inter Milan, and Juventus, and in Spain for Real Madrid.
Cannavaro concluded his playing career in 2011 after a period with Al Ahli in Dubai.
Representing Italy 136 times, he captained the national team to victory in the 2006 World Cup.
In 2006, he was also awarded both the Ballon d`Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
Marcus Bellamy