Di Canio sacked as Sunderland manager

Paolo Di Canio has been sensationally sacked as Sunderland manager just five games into the new Premier League season, the Wearside outfit have confirmed.

The fiery Italian, who has become renowned for his eccentric outbursts, departs the Stadium of Light hotseat following a woeful start to the new Premier League season, with his revamped side looking in all sorts of trouble at the bottom of the table with just one point.

Di Canio oversaw a total squad overhaul over the summer transfer window, after the former Swindon boss expressed his displeasure at the lack of match-fitness of a number of the club’s starting line-up.

The ex-striker turned manager welcomed 14 new players to the Stadium of Light throughout the summer months, but the squad have been unable to gel so far, and the whole scenario has reflected badly on the boss.

One of the club’s nine departed stars, Stephane Sessegnon - who was one player in particular to receive a lot of criticism from the 45-year-old - came back to haunt his former side at the weekend with a goal in new club West Brom’s 3-0 victory over the Black Cats.

Di Canio, to his credit, went over to the Hawthorns’ away stand to apologise to the travelling Sunderland fans for their side’s performance, and gestured that all will work out for the top flight’s bottom-placed team.
But the Italian has not been given any more time to come true to his word, and was sacked by the club on Sunday afternoon, less than five months after taking on the job.

A club statement confirmed that Kevin Ball will take temporary charge of side as Sunderland search for a full-time replacement.
“Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with Head Coach Paolo Di Canio this evening,” read the statement.

“Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup game against Peterborough United and an announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future.”