Swansea City coach Francesco Guidolin has revealed that he was close to being appointed as Italy coach before Antonio Conte.
Conte will remain as Azzurri chief until after this summer’s European Championships, at which point he will step down, with pundits and bookies expecting him to replace Guus Hiddink at Chelsea.
Guidolin has been tipped as a potential replacement for Guidolin, and in an interview with the Corriere della Serra [as per Yahoo], the experienced coach has confirmed how close he came to being appointed as Italy manager once before.
“Two years ago, before Conte was available, I think I was close to the dug out of the national side,” Guidolin began.
“I like when people talk well of me, because I think that I’ve done some good work in my career.”
The former Udinese coach has impressed since taking over at Swansea City. Since replacing Garry Monk, he has stabilised the Swans and guided them to the brink of Premier League safety.
He has subsequently been talked up as a potential replacement for Guidolin, with ex-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers having been tipped to return to the Liberty Stadium should the Italian coach leave for the national side.
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