Dutch Coach Guus Hiddink is “curious” to see how Antonio Conte will set out Italy in tomorrow’s friendly.
Dutch Coach Guus Hiddink is “curious” to see how Antonio Conte will set out Italy in tomorrow’s friendly.
The two nations go head-to-head at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari on Thursday evening, which will be Conte’s debut on the Azzurri bench.
It is also a new era for the Oranje, as Hiddink returns to the side after Louis van Gaal’s spell in charge.
“Conte is new and I am new. Of course, both of us want to start with a victory,” Hiddink told reporters.
“I am curious to see Conte on the Italy bench. I knew him as a player, when he was full of energy.”
The Dutch tactician has a long history against Italy, as his South Korea knocked them out of the 2002 World Cup and Australia were beaten by a last-gasp Francesco Totti penalty in 2006.
“Remembering these things is a nice story. I think of them at Christmas and New Year, but now I move forward.
“I had discussions with key players and it was about returning to the 4-3-3 system. There was no big surprise.”