BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Fabio Cannavaro has been appointed as the head coach of China's national soccer team for the upcoming China Cup, Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced here on Friday.
Marcello Lippi, who stepped down after 2019 Asian Cup, will be the counselor to assist Cannavaro in this tournament.
"We made the decision based on Cannavaro's personal experience, tactical style and familiarity with the players," CFA said in a statement.
The 23-player squad features 8 players from Guangzhou Evergrande, Jiangsu Suning and Shanghai SIPG have 3 players each to join regulars Zhang Xizhe, Hao Junmin. However, Espanyol hitman Wu Lei is not included.
The China Cup will kick off on March 21 in Nanning and China is to face Thailand in the opening match.
