Kapadze, who previously guided the Uzbekistan Olympic team to Paris 2024, temporarily took over the senior side.
Katanec noted that his successor finished preparing the meal he had originally started.
Cannavaro Takes the Helm
Following guaranteed qualification, the Uzbekistan football association sought a high-profile foreign manager, ultimately selecting Cannavaro from a competitive shortlist.
The Italian tactician, who famously captained Italy to global glory, signed an initial two-year contract.
"I’m happy to be given this opportunity, it is a great honour.
I came here not to change everything, but to continue the work that has been started," Cannavaro said on the day he arrived last year.
Cannavaro brings immense tournament experience, having played 18 matches across four global tournaments between 1998 and 2010.
However, his previous coaching spells at Guangzhou Evergrande, Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb yielded mixed results.
"I have played many games on the field where I thought I had given everything," Cannavaro said.
"But after hanging up my boots and starting my coaching career, I realised that 90 minutes on the field can never be compared to the life of a coach," he added.
Key Players and Prospects
Defensive prodigy Abdukodir Khusanov remains the most recognizable figure in the national squad.
The 22-year-old central defender previously endured harsh winter training conditions at Energetik-BGU Minsk in Belarus before moving to Lens.
"In Belarus, I suffered away from my parents – often there were training sessions three times a day.
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