Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio (L) reacts during the English Premier League football match between West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, on September 21, 2013. West Bromwich Albion won 3-0. (AFP)
LONDON (AFP) – Paolo di Canio was sacked as manager of English Premier League basement club Sunderland on Sunday.
The north-east side's announcement came just a day after a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion left them with just one point from their opening five league games.
"Sunderland AFC confirms that it has parted company with head coach Paolo di Canio this evening," a club statement said as the curtain came down on the fiery Italian's brief spell in charge at the Stadium of Light which only started on March 31.
The statement added: "Kevin Ball will take charge of the squad ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One (League) 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."
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