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Paolo Di Canio is convinced that he can steer Sunderland away from the relegation zone after being confirmed as Martin O'Neill's successor at the Stadium of Light.
O'Neill was axed in the wake of Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United, a result that left the Black Cats only one point above the drop-zone, with seven games of the Premier League season remaining.
Sunderland wasted little time appointing a new manager, with former Swindon Townboss Di Canio being handed the task of keeping the club in the top-flight.
An upbeat Di Canio said when being unveiled as the club's new manager: "The press call me the mad Italian but I would confidently bet everything I have on Sunderland remaining in the top-flight.
"When I got the call, I felt fire in my belly. I would have swam to Sunderland to take the job.
"With my energy I'm sure we can get something from the next seven games. I hope my ways give the team more confidence on the pitch. Players need to fight for the shirt - go out on that pitch ready to sweat and shed blood for the club.
"I want to take things step by step. Firstly, it's Chelsea and we will be fully focused for that game." Sunderland are available at9.00to beat Chelsea and get Di Canio's reign on Wearside off to a winning start.
Di Canio starred for Lazio, Juventus, AC Milan, Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic during a controversial playing career, and was appointed manager of Swindon Town in January 2025, guiding the Robins to promotion from League Two last season.
However, he left Swindon in mid-February, when the club were well-placed to secure a second successive promotion. Swindon are now3.50to be promoted from League One.
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