The FIFA World Cup-winning defender who enjoyed a stellar club career which included a stint alongside Sydney FC’s Alessandro del Piero at Juventus is Italy’s most capped player and won two Coppa Italia’s as well as two La Liga titles to go with his World Cup.

A brilliant defender, Cannavaro had a stellar career, but 2006, which coincided with Italy lifting the World Cup was truly his year, and in it he won the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year.

Fabio is seen here accepting a Saints fleecy and shakes hands with one of the U12’s

Heath and Fabio2

Norton street was closed off as the local Italian/Australian community came out in huge numbers to welcome Fabio as a citizen of Leicchardt.

Mayor Darcy Byrne was amongst the dignitaries on hand to join with the Saints in welcoming Fabio.

Fabio made an impressive speech , in Italian, and engaged the crowd with his winning smile.

It looks like he was impressed by Saints “Juventus” style strip.

After the formal ceremonies Fabio spent nearly an hour signing autographs and shaking hands with admirers before heading off, late, to a commercial engagement.

See more photos HERE