The Black Cats have parted ways with the controversial Italian.
Sunderland have announced that manager Paolo Di Canio has been sacked, as former Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo remains favourite to take over.
BREAKING: Sunderland have “parted company” with boss Paolo Di Canio, the club confirm in a statement on their website #safc
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 22, 2013
The Black Cats have been poor this season and have taken just one point from their first five matches, losing 3-0 to West Brom on Saturday.
Di Canio has been in charge for just 12 matches since taking over from Martin O’Neill last term, but the Italian’s strict approach and poor run of form has cost the 45-year-old the job.
Di Matteo – who has been unemployed since being laid off by the Blues in November 2012 – is the favourite to take up the reigns, with former Brighton boss Gus Poyet also in the running.
The ex-Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham United forward brought in 14 new players at the Stadium of Light this summer to try and improve on a disappointing finish of 17th in 2012/13.
The draw with Southampton on the second day of the new campaign is the only point the north east club have achieved so far though.
Kevin Ball will act as caretaker manager until a permanent figure is found.
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