Fabrizio Piccareta has described managing Swindon Town as his dream job, reigniting speculation about a potential return to the County Ground. The former assistant to Paolo Di Canio made the comments while reflecting on his successful 18-month spell with the club, which culminated in the League Two title win in 2012. His remarks come as Swindon Town sit 17th in League Two on 11 points after 10 games, a period of struggle that has seen them win just three times this season.

Piccareta worked alongside Di Canio during that memorable promotion campaign and briefly took charge of the first team following the Italian's resignation. He oversaw a 3-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers, giving him a perfect 100 per cent win record as Swindon manager, before departing with the club sitting top of League One in 2013.

Emotional ties to the County Ground

The Italian coach maintains a strong emotional link to the club and its supporters. He revisited the County Ground a few seasons ago, attending a match against Bradford City and taking a celebratory lap of honour with the League Two trophy. The visit was prompted by a personal call from then-Chief Executive Rob Angus, a gesture Piccareta fondly remembers. "Ten years of people talking to me about those moments is great, and one day I would like to come back," Piccareta said.

Current role and past interest

Piccareta is currently in his third season as assistant head coach for the Saudi Arabia Under-23s national team, working alongside another former Di Canio staff member, Domenico Doardo. He has previously interviewed for the Swindon Town manager's job, even meeting with the club's owner in London, and believed he had secured the position before the move fell through. He now suggests that his time in Saudi Arabia could be his "last dance" unless an opportunity arises to return to Wiltshire.

The club's current form, which includes a run of five games without a win, shows the search for direction that makes Piccareta's comments timely. The full squad available for that game is listed on our squad page.

The original report is at wiltsglosstandard.co.uk