Sunderland sack manager Paolo Di Canio

Sunderland have sacked manager Paolo Di Canio after less than six months in charge following a miserable start to the new season.

The club confirmed they had “parted company” with Di Canio but it is understood that Saturday’s 3-0 loss, which saw the Italian face up to angry fans at the final whistle, and a subsequent meeting forced Sunderland bosses to act.

A statement on the club’s official website on Sunday 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.”

The former Swindon boss succeeded axed Martin O’Neill with just seven games to go in late March but oversaw only two Premier League victories during his tenure.

Sunderland scraped to safety, finishing 17th, but Di Canio’s appointment prompted tumult as critics cited reports of his alleged fascist sympathies, forcing the club into a robust defence of their new man.

Di Canio repeatedly spoke of his desire to “revolutionise” Sunderland but changes to backroom staff, a tough new fitness regime and the influx of 14 new players in the summer failed to yield results. 

He had remained bullish after defeat at The Hawthorns but hinted at divisions behind the scenes when he said: “I absorb the insults as it’s part of the game – if I was in (the fans’) position, I’d be furious.

“It’s obvious we’re still not together. We don’t have many leaders in terms of desire to play with a premier style. I’m never going to change my regime. I am what I am. My way to manage the team is for the top, top level.”