Di Canio relishing Chelsea opener

Controversial new Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio is ready to take his place in the spotlight when he makes his first Barclays Premier League appearance in the dugout in tomorrow’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Di Canio, who succeeded Martin O’Neill a day after Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat by Manchester United, has been at the centre of a media storm this week surrounding his political views.

The Italian has moved to distance himself from talk of anything other than Sunderland’s top-flight survival and is focussing on the thrill of leading his new side into battle against Chelsea.