East Asia China

Fabio Cannavaro set for Guangzhou Evergrande return

Fabio Cannavaro is set for a return as Guangzhou Evergrande boss, according to Goal China reports.

The former Italy international is expected to make a comeback to Tianhe Stadium after leaving the Southern China Tigers in June 2015.

Cannavaro, who replaced Marcello Lippi at Evergrande two years ago, was sacked by the Chinese Super League champions after defensive deficiencies and injury problems derailed club’s season.

The 44-year-old tactician then slowly rebuilt his reputation in China with Tianjin Quanjian last year, helping guide the club to CSL promotion at the first attempt and currently sit in fourth in the top flight.

Cannavaro’s appointment for a second spell as head coach means Evergrande would dismiss their plan to sign Carlo Ancelotti as the successor to Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is expected to leave once his contract expires at the end of this season.