Big Interview

Big Interview: James Abankwah – Learning under Fabio Cannavaro unbelievable for Watford stalwart

James Abankwah was understandably awestruck when, in April 2024, Fabio Cannavaro was appointed manager of Udinese.

by
Chris Dunlavy
11 January 2026

Big Interview: James Abankwah – Learning under Fabio Cannavaro unbelievable for Watford stalwart

World Cup winning captain. Ballon d’Or recipient. As defensive tutors go, they don’t come much more prestigious than Fabio Cannavaro.

The legendary Italian won titles in Spain and Italy, played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs and is widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs who ever lived.
So James Abankwah was understandably awestruck when, in April 2024, the 52-year-old was appointed manager of Udinese.
“When he first came in you obviously felt a bit of pressure,” says the 21-year-old Irish right-back, who is currently on a season-long loan at Udinese’s sister-club Watford.

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