Sunderland sack manager Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio reacts towards the Sunderland fans after the match between West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland at The Hawthorns on September 21, 2013. West Brom won 3-0. (Getty Images)

Sunderland have sacked manager Paolo Di Canio after an indifferent start to the season, which has seen the team languishing at the foot of the table with a solitary point from five matches.

Di Canio had taken over at the helm of the club in March this year, and has overseen only three victories, though he managed to ensure the team’s survival in the relegation battle last season.

The 45-year-old Italian, who helped Swindon to promotion from League Two in 2012, succeeded Martin O’Neill at the Stadium of Light but oversaw proceedings in just over a dozen games for the Black Cats – 13 in all.

Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is widely tipped to be Di Canio’s replacement.

The club issued a statement saying:

“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.”