FOOTBALL fans were left rubbing their eyes after seeing what Fabio Cannavaro now looks like.
Cannavaro, now 51, looks completely different to his playing days.
AP:Associated PressWorld Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro now looks completely different[/caption]
GettyHe was in charge of Dinamo Zagreb as they faced Arsenal last night[/caption]
AFPAnd he now sports a full head of hair[/caption]
Fans were given a full broadside of shock as they saw the Italian pop up during Arsenal‘s clash against Dinamo Zagreb last night.
The 2006 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner was appointed as head coach of the Croatian side at the end of December.
And consequently, this saw him in charge of the visitors for the clash at the Emirates.
Unfortunately for him, Arsenal were too good on the night as they cruised to a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
However, fans were more concerned about the former defender now having a full head of hair.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “Wait since when did Fabio Cannavaro have hair?”
A second said: “Cannavaro is the Zagreb coach?? And why does he have hair on his head??”
A third added: “Seeing baldies suddenly appear with full hair after retirement is so creepy man. Cannavaro, Ba, etc.”
Another said: “Not used seeing Cannavaro with a full head of hair.”
Regardless, the result served to all but secure the Gunners qualification in the knockout stages of the Champions League, with a huge goal difference turnover needed for them to drop into the playoff positions.
In Zagreb’s case, they dropped into the bottom eight elimination zone, meaning they will have to win their final match against AC Milan to have any hope of progressing.
Mikel Arteta opened up on a conversation he had with the Italy legend, saying: “I just said hello to him, and wished him the best.
“He’s someone that I admire a lot as a player, not only in his career, but the presence that he has and the way he behaves, and you can see that in the touchline as well.
“I like what he did, he did some very clever things to cause us problems so, I wish him all the best.”
Cannavaro retired from the beautiful game in 2012 following a glittering career which saw him star for the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Parma.
He took his first managerial job in China with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2014.
This was followed by stints with Al-Nassr, Tianjin Quanjian and a second spell with Guangzhou before he returned to European football with Benevento in 2022.
Cannavaro followed this with a brief stint managing Udinese before taking the Zagreb job.
He was also manager of the China national team for two games but failed to win either of them before leaving the post.
Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chance
By Katherine Walsh
David Raya – 6
A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.
But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.
Jurrien Timber – 5
Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.
But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.
Gabriel – 6
Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.
Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.
Declan Rice – 8
Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.
But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.
Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.
Jorginho – 6
Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.
But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.
A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.
Raheem Sterling – 4
A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.
But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.
Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.
Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.
Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?
Kai Havertz – 7
Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.
Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.
Subs
Ethan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6
A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.
Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6
Assured cameo in midfield.
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5
Calm on the ball after coming on.
Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5
Made his 100th appearance for the club.
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