Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio is a former professional striker and and a coach. He was born on 9 July 1968 in Rome, Italy.

Though born and lived in the district populated mostly by AS Roma fans, Paolo has always been supporting SS Lazio. It’s a tidbit that in his teens Di Canio was very thick and moreover he was knock-kneed and had to wear orthopedic shoes. But he was never ashamed of this and instead worked hard to exercise to become a professional footballer.

In 1985, Di Canio signed a professional contract with his favorite club Lazio. He helped them to win promotion to Serie A in the 1987/88 season. His strong performances sparked interest of the giant Juventus who snapped up a promising striker from Lazio in 1990. After a three-year stint with the Juve, Di Canio had spells at Napoli and Milan and then became a revelation for the Scottish side Celtic as he scored 15 goals in 37 appearances. The success at Glasgow team earned him a move to the English Premier League where he joined Sheffield Wednesday. Di Canio established himself as a top scorer for a new club in the 1997/98 season.

In 1999, the Italian joined West Ham United and helped them to win the UEFA Intertoto Cup in his debut season. Di Canio sparked furor in a match against Wimbledon in March 2000 as he scored a terrific volley which is still considered to be one of the most splendid goals in the Premiership history. In between 2003 and 2008, Di Canio played for Charlton Athletic, Lazio and Cisco Roma. In 2008, he announced of his retirement as a player and devoted himself to managerial career.

In May 2011, Paolo Di Canio took charge over Swindon Town. He led them to promotion to the League One for the 2012/13 season. He recorded an amazing FA Cup victory of his side over Wigan Athletic in January 2012. On 31 March 2013, Paolo Di Canio was appointed a coach of Sunderland. The fact caused much controversy and indignation because of Di Canio’s fascist views.

Half a year later he was sacked five games into the season.