Fabio Cannavaro the new number 1 in China

On Friday it was finally announced who the new head coach of China would be and as expected it is Fabio Cannavaro. The Italian who captained Lippi's Italy to World Cup success in 2006 will take over from his former boss. 

What is the future for China?

China might have a new man in charge but what does this mean for the national side? On paper, this looks like an easy choice if not an overly inspiring one. The fact that Cannavaro at least for now is staying with his club side Guangzhou Evergrande to makes you wonder how long term this plan is.

On our most recent podcast, we suggest this is short term and he will not be the boss when the World Cup qualifiers end but we shall see. The appointment still has Lippi as 'advisor' for the national team too. What this means is anyone's guess but at a glance, it looks like they want Lippi to oversee things for a bit longer while they find a longer-term plan.

The one thing that might excite fans in China is that the 45-year-old does trust youth. Then with China having the oldest squad at the Asian Cup, this might be the start of a new generation for the national side with youth getting a chance.

Here is the younger Italians first China Squad 

Shanghai SIPG: Yan Junling, Fu Huan, Lyu Wenjun

Guangzhou Evergrande: Zeng Cheng, Feng Xiaoting, Gao Zhunyi, Liu Yiming, Zhang Linpeng, Zhang Xiuwei, He Chao, Wei Shihao

Shandong Luneng: Wang Dalei, Hao Junmin

Beijing Guoan: Li Lei, Zhang Xizhe

Jiangsu Suning: Li Ang, Wu Xi, Xie Pengfei

Hebei China Fortune: Jiang Zhipeng, Dong Xuesheng

Tianjin Tianhai: Wang Yongpo

Chongqing SWM Motors: Peng Xinli

Changchun Yatai: Tan Long