WASHINGTON — Fabio Cannavaro was not expecting to be back on the World Cup stage in this capacity any time soon.

As a player, the Italian legend is one of the greatest center-backs in the history of world soccer. He captained his nation to the 2006 World Cup title, won the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, the UEFA Cup, and Spain's La Liga, as well as a pair of vacated Italian Serie A crowns during a distinguished playing career with Parma, Juventus, and Real Madrid.

He is one of just three defenders in the history of the game to win the Ballon d'Or, joining Germans Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.

His transition to manager, though, has been bumpy.

He found most of his success in Asia after stops in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China. After winning the Chinese Sup

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