BPL: Di Canio named new Sunderland boss

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Paolo Di Canio was named the new coach of Premier League strugglers Sunderland, replacing Martin O'Neill, who was sacked on Saturday.

"Sunderland AFC have confirmed the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as Head Coach on a two-and-a-half year deal," said a club statement.

The 44-year-old Di Canio will take charge from Monday in succession to O'Neill, who was axed on Saturday following a 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United which left Sunderland just a point above the relegation zone.

Di Canio left third-tier Swindon Town in February, having guided the club to promotion from League Two.

Sunderland's American chairman Ellis Short backed Di Canio to succeed in his principal task of keeping the club in the lucrative Premier League.

"Paolo is hugely enthused by the challenge that lies ahead of him. He is passionate, driven and raring to get started," said Short.

"The sole focus of everyone for the next seven games will be to ensure we gain enough points to maintain our top-flight status. I think that the chances of that are greatly increased with Paolo joining us."