Struggling Swansea hire Francesco Guidolin as head coach until end of season

Former Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has been confirmed as the new head coach of Swansea, the Premier League strugglers announced on Monday.

Guidolin has been brought in to work alongside interim manager Alan Curtis until the end of the season, although Swansea said the 60-year-old Italian will have the final say on team selection.

Swansea announced Guidolin’s appointment just hours before their Premier League match at home to Watford on Monday, where a win would take the south Wales club out of the relegation zone.

Guidolin’s first game in charge will be Sunday’s league match away to Everton.

SEE MORE: 10 biggest problems facing Swansea City this season.

“We are very pleased with the appointment,” Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told the club’s website. “His experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to the club.”

Guidolin made his name guiding unfancied Udinese to successive top four finishes in Italy’s Serie A in 2011 and 2012.

He previously had four separate spells in charge of Palermo where despite guiding the Sicilians to a best-ever top flight finish of fifth, he nonetheless fell foul of controversial owner Maurizio Zamparini, who has sacked 29 coaches since buying the club in 2002.

VIDEO: Watch our new Head Coach get acquainted with his new surroundings. Benvenuto, Francesco! ?? https://t.co/oY6Co4vfsm

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 18, 2016