Di Canio dismissed by Sunderland

By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

The love affair between Sunderland and Paolo di Canio has reached its crossroads.  He has been sacked by the club after their atrocious start to the new Premier League season.

European TV broadcaster Eurosport and reports from the Italian media indicated that the outspoken, but passionate Italian was to be dismissed on Monday before the club released an official statement on Sunday night.

It read: "Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening.

"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."

Di Canio was only appointed to the job at the end of March to replace Martin O’Neill.  Results started well under the new tenure, with a famous Tyne & Wear derby victory at St James’ Park over Newcastle, followed by a crucial home success against Everton.  However just three more points have been collected in the next nine games combined between the two campaigns put di Canio’s future in grave danger and he has now received the chop.

On Saturday the Black Cats put in their most abject performance of the campaign in going down to a 3-0 defeat at the Hawthorns against West Brom.  Di Canio (pictured) went over to confront the fans at the full-time whistle as some were calling for him to be dismissed following another disastrous away trip.

The 45-year-old admitted on Saturday: “The team, not intentionally, have not gelled together yet but that is normal.

“It is a natural process and it is difficult.  We have made many changes; we have 14 new players from many countries.”

A new recruitment team was put in place during the summer and Sunderland brought the likes of Jozy Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini, Fabio Borini and Cabral among the new faces to Wearside. 

However there has been talk of unrest in the camp for some time, with Lee Cattermole almost frozen out, Stephane Sessegnon sold on transfer deadline day to West Brom and Phil Bardsley recently suspended for mocking the club on his Instagram page following the opening day defeat to Fulham.  The right back has seen had his suspension lifted but is currently training with the reserves.

Di Canio was also stinging in his criticism of experienced defender John O’Shea after his red card at Crystal Palace three weeks ago, and ripped into Korean Ji-Dong Won when he pulled out of a free header opportunity to score at Selhurst Park on 31 August.

Bet Victor are already taking prices on new managers to replace the beleaguered di Canio.  Fellow Italian Roberto di Matteo is the favourite to succeed di Canio.  He has been out of work since being harshly sacked by Chelsea last November.  Former Stoke boss Tony Pulis, Gus Poyet, Alex McLeish and Neil Warnock are also among the names to be linked with the vacancy.

Sunderland’s next commitment is the League Cup match in midweek against Peterborough United.  Liverpool are the next visitors to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League next Sunday.