Guidolin realises Udinese dream

New Udinese manager Francesco Guidolin has revealed he had always dreamed of making a return to the Serie A club.

The 55-year-old previously managed the club during the 1998-99 season, before he was fired ahead of the start of the following campaign, and returns having resigned as Parma coach after guiding the promoted club to an eighth place finish last season.

He was yesterday unveiled as the Bianconeri's new manager and, despite the length of time since his last stint in charge at Stadio Friuli, Guidolin is relishing the charge to help improve Udinese's fortunes following their disappointing 15th-placed finish last term.

He told the club website, www.udinese.it: "My dream has always been to return to coach in Udine. In 12 years I never stopped dreaming of again sitting on the Udinese bench.

"When I left I left a part of my heart here in Friuli and now I have finally the opportunity to resume the thread that was disbanded years ago.

"I am very happy to be back home, I have always felt that more at Stadio Friuli."

Although delighted to be back, Guidolin has also warned his players he will be expecting them to give nothing less than 100 per cent to move the club up the table.

"The team is very good, with a workforce of value, but people need to be stimulated and motivated to do well," he said.

"I need people who are proud to wear the shirt of this land because the motivation and ambition are the foundation for achieving any result."