Fabio Cannavaro has been sacked as head coach of Dinamo Zagreb after just four months in charge of the Croatian side.
Cannavaro only took the position in late December 2024 but the club confirmed his dismissal on Wednesday. Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup winning captain had penned a deal to last until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
During his 14 competitive games in charge, Cannavaro oversaw seven wins, two draws and five defeats in all competitions.
In January, Cannavaro recorded his most famous victory when Dinamo beat Milan 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League. However, the 51-year-old was unable to help the Croats secure a play-off spot.
A poor run of form proved to be Cannavaro’s downfall. He leaves DZG in third position in 1. HNL after winning just two of his last seven fixtures.
The 3-0 defeat by Istra 1961 on Saturday proved to be the final nail in the coffin. That loss means Zagreb are eight points off leaders Hadjuk Split.
Fabio Cannavaro Sacked By Dinamo Zagreb
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Dinamo Zagreb have sacked Fabio Cannavaro after just four months in charge. 👋
(Source: @gnkdinamo) pic.twitter.com/BPP3DrAeAt
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 9, 2025
What Is Fabio Cannavaro’s Managerial Record?
Cannavaro’s managerial record is nowhere near as good as what he achieved as a player. During his prime, the former defender captained the Azzurri to World Cup glory and also won the Ballon d’Or.
Both of those accomplishments were achieved in 2006 alongside landing a whole host of other individual accolades. They included winning the Serie A Defender and Player of the Year titles.
On the touchline, Cannavaro has coached five teams at club level as well as undertaking the national job for China. Overall, Cannavaro has managed a total of 264 games which accumulated in 141 wins, 58 draws and 65 defeats.
Cannavaro’s only title success came during his time at club level in China. Whilst at the helm of Tianjin Quanjian, he won the China League One trophy as well as the Chinese Super League and Chinese FA Super Cup at Guangzhou Evergrande.
It remains to be seen what Cannavaro’s next venture will be but a position in Italy is perhaps his most likely objective. The 51-year-old did manage in Serie A with Udinese in the 2023-24 season.
During his time at the Stadio Friuli, Cannavaro coached six games which saw him lose just once. That defeat came against Roma in his opening match.
