'If there is a model footballer who is loyal, correct and good, that's Fabio Cannavaro.' -- Marcello Lippi http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/story/0,,1810728,00.html I'm a Roma fan, but I love the guy to death. Post your favorite pics, articles, stories, reflections, here.
I'm a Viola fan - but I agree, this guy is pure class. I'm still astounded by his lack of cautions in this cup of yellow and red cards, all the while offering the best defending in the tournament.
LOL, that's one of my favorites too. I wonder if Toni ever had anything to say about it (in fun, of course).
The only thing I would like to point out right now is that Fabio comes from the same neighborhood of Naples that I come from (Fuorigrotta). Guess that explains a lot. www.fabiocannavaro.it is his official site.
His philosophy? 'I've always been strong physically and I think for a player what happens off the field is even more important,' he says. 'I don't drink or smoke. I eat well, get plenty of sleep and, when the mood takes, sex is good, too.' Brilliant. I've always been a fan of Cannavaro ever since he started out at Napoli and then when he was the emerging star at Parma. He's a short guy, but as the article said, he can jump as high as Luca Toni. He reads the game brilliantly. And when the Azzurri came to Circo Massimo, in front of a million fans, he got on the microphone and started chanting, "Chi non salta e Francese....Chi non salta e Francese...." Classic!
This is so crucial, and is the hallmark of only the most brilliant players. That, combined with his speed and leaping ability make him the player he is - the best defender in the world. Amazing.
He utterly crushed any negative thoughts I had about him (AND Zambrotta too) this Cup. Like it was mentioned, he order the back line about as he pleased and got NO cards. Class beyond definition.
LOVE the guy and i love Juve too HE DESERVED THE GOLDEN BALL OVER THAT DIRTY DISGRACEFUL ZIDANE I hope they take it away from him
I also have so many fond memories of Cannavaro. His performance in th '98 QF vs France was unbelievable. If you've forgotten, get a tape just to watch him. For me though, the moment that will forever be etched in my mind is the 2nd goal vs Germany. Ball is served into the area 120' mark, Cannavaro once again positions himself perfectly to clear the ball which pops up towards Podolski 30 yards form goal. Cannavaro dashes at top speed, times the steal perfectly then gives the ball to Totti at midfield, who gives it to Gilardino, to Del Piero, GOAL!! This play had all the great Cannavaro qualtities in one brief moment - positioining to clear the ball, speed to get to the ball coming to Podolski, timing to steal the ball off Podolski, drive to bring the ball forward, intelligence to give it up to Totti, heart to do all this in a very tired moment and nerve to attempt all this at the moment in the game and not be afraid of making a mistake! Grazie Fabio!
We don't need to go there. We won and should be above it. From where I stand I see people complaining about dirty, cheating Italians but in their hearts they KNOW that we are the Champs and will wallow in their jealousy for the next 4 years. We also know that in our hearts Fabio is the true MVP and no stupid media vote can ever take that away from him!
One little thing from this cup that I thought was cool about Cannavaro was during the Penalty Shootout in the Finals. After every Italian kick they would show the team and everyone would be pumping their fist or jumping up and down or celebrating in someway, but Cannavaro would just stand there arms crossed all calm and collected. Pirlo even put his arms around Cannavaros shoulders and he still remained in the same stance until the final kick where Grosso won it. Then he went running and celebrating like everyone else. I just found that really cool.
You shouldn't have had negative thoughts on either of those guys! They both have been the epitome of consistence for the Azzurri over the past 6+ years.
Oh my god same here! I love that when he heads the ball out then just charges at Podolski and rips the ball off his feet, when he did that I knew we were guaranteed to go through. If you watch this clip, its around the 2 minute mark. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6126864451921769660&q=fabio+grosso
lol yea man i feel you, im just pissed off by battling all these haters on persianfootball.com They're hating more than the french are doing just cuz they dont like italy. They say materazzi is dirty but what did he do dirty this world cup? If anything he was the victim and sh*t talkin is part of the game, to me he was the PLAYER OF THE GAME!
Anyone think Cannavaro is gonna be part of the Euro 2008 squad as well? I know he's already 33 years old and all, but the guy has shown that he is still in incredible physical condition and his skills only keep getting better!
I will never forget that sight of Cannavaro and Pirlo. A great moment. Another memory of Cannavaro: he provided an excellent assist to Zola who scored the only goal of the game in a friendly against England at Wembley back in the mid/late 90's. It was Cannavaro's first (or thereabouts) appearance with the Azzurri.
(narrowing my eyes as I try to remember ....) I remember Zola scoring a goal against England in a WC Qualifier off an assist by a defender at Wembley, but I thought it was Costacurta with the assist ... maybe we're remembering different events though.
Maybe we're thinking of the same event, but I'm the one who is confused. Pretty sure it was a friendly, though...pretty sure...not certain... Anyway, I thought it was Cannavaro, but I could be wrong. In any case, Cannavaro was out there in one of his very early Azzurri appearances.
Think there was only one England-Italy game at Wembley in that time period, and it was the 1-0 win during 1998 WCQ when Zola scored. Cannavaro definitely played in the game, but I clearly remember Costacurta making the pass. The shock of it and all. Not to take away from the legend of Fabio Cannavaro, of course.
Well, maybe Cannavaro made the pass to Costacurta who in turn crossed it...but Fabio's pass to Billy must have been especially brilliant!
If you look at the video again, it's more like Cannavaro tries to take it up himself but Totti comes and steals the ball from him...
The man was outstanding!! He was a true leader. He deserved the award more than Zidane. Now, with Juve getting a possible stiff punishment and Capello in Madrid, I hope he doesn't leave Italy.