Sunderland, England – Sunderland have sacked manager Paolo Di Canio after the club's listless 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday at The Hawthorns.
The Wearside club confirmed late Sunday evening that they had parted ways with Di Canio, who has guided the Black Cats to just one point from their first five Premier League matches this season.
Assistant coach Kevin Ball will assume the manager's position on an interim basis.
"Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo Di Canio this evening," a statement read on the club's official website. "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 succeeded Martin O'Neill with just seven games to go in late March but oversaw only two Premier League victories during his tenure.
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