“One of my biggest ambitions is to win the Asian Cup” – Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Italian coach noted that his side was focused on improving fitness levels and gaining experience by facing some of the world’s strongest teams ahead of the World Cup.

“We are preparing very seriously for the World Cup and working extremely hard/ The World Cup will be a learning experience for us, while at the Asian Cup we will fight for results ,” Cannavaro said.

Uzbekistan opened its training camp last week with a 4-0 victory over Surkhon Termez in a friendly match.

Cannavaro said the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Canada on June 1 and the Netherlands on June 8 had been selected based on performance rather than age.

“If someone was not called up, it means they have not yet convinced me with their performances. We called up the players who deserved it,” he added.

The former Italy captain said upcoming friendlies against Canada and the Netherlands would give his side valuable experience ahead of the World Cup.

“Canada, as one of the World Cup hosts, will provide a high-level football atmosphere. The Netherlands are one of the strongest teams in Europe, and certain aspects of their style resemble Portugal’s approach,” he added.

Cannavaro also highlighted several key players in the squad, including Jaloliddin Masharipov, Abbosbek Fayzullayev, Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov.

“Jaloliddin Masharipov has great experience and can be very important for us at the World Cup if he reaches top form,” he stressed.

Cannavaro praised Fayzullayev after the midfielder scored for İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. this week, describing him as a hardworking player with a strong mentality. The coach added that several players were still recovering from injuries or lacking match fitness, but said he expected them to regain form before the tournament.

Uzbekistan will also compete in January’s Asian Cup, where they have been drawn alongside Bahrain, Jordan, and North Korea.

“One of my biggest ambitions is to win the Asian Cup,” Cannavaro concluded.