Having won the Panchina d'oro award in 2011, Guidolin is considered one of the best Italian coaches in circulation, and was initially known for using a Sacchi-inspired 4–4–2 formation (or its variant, the 4–4–1–1) towards the beginning of his coaching career. Later, he became known for his versatility and ability to adopt tactical systems which were most suitable to his players. He has also made use of 4–3–2–1, 3–4–1–2, 3–1–4–1–1, or 3–5–2 (or 3–5–1–1) formations throughout his career. Giovanni Cornacchini, who played under Guidolin at Vicenza, described him as the best coach he ever had, and as the manager who was the most prepared on the pitch.
