Rangers explored appointing Francesco Farioli as their new manager and the Italian could soon end up managing Watford.
The Gers took the decision to axe Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, just months after guiding Rangers to the Europa League final.
Steven Gerrard’s former assistant Michael Beale quickly became the top choice for Rangers but others were considered.
The Daily Record reported that then-Alanyaspor manager Francesco Farioli was keen to hold talks over the Rangers job.
The Athletic added that Rangers did meet with Farioli but ended up going with Beale, even if they wanted to keep tabs on Farioli moving forward.
Farioli isn’t exactly well-known but he worked as a goalkeeping coach under Roberto De Zerbi at both Benevento and Sassuolo.
After becoming Alanyaspor assistant, Farioli landed the top job at Fatih Karagumruk before heading back to Alanyaspor in 2021.
The 33-year-old left Alanyaspor in February and is now looking for his next opportunity having emerged as an exciting young coach.
Watford now interested in former Rangers target Francesco Farioli
Farioli appears to be attracting interest from a couple of clubs.
Foot Mercato report that Portuguese side Sporting Braga are now interested in making Farioli their new manager.
Former PSG sporting director Antero Henrique is in close contact with Braga and is allegedly pushing Farioli to Braga.
There is also interest in England though as Watford are keen on Farioli.
Owned by Italian Gino Pozzo, Farioli appears to be on the Hornets radar as they consider yet another managerial change.
Rob Edwards started the season in charge before being replaced with Slaven Bilic, who has already been sacked.
Chris Wilder is now in charge having penned a deal until the end of the season.
It may well be that Watford decide to move on from Wilder this summer and bring in Farioli as their new boss, months after he missed out on the Rangers job.
