Sunderland chairman Ellis Short says Paolo Di Canio is the right man to save the club’s Premier League status.
The Italian was appointed on Sunday night, signing a two-and-a-half year contract, replacing Martin O’Neill, who was sacked after the club’s 1-0 defeat by leaders Manchester United on Saturday.
Sunderland sit two places and just one point above the relegation zone, having earned just three points from their last eight games.
“Paolo is hugely enthused by the challenge that lies ahead of him,” Short said. “He is passionate, driven and raring to get started.
“The sole focus of everyone for the next seven games will be to ensure we gain enough points to maintain our top-flight status.
“I think that the chances of that are greatly increased with Paolo joining us.”
The 44-year-old Di Canio enjoyed a glittering career as a player with Lazio, Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan before representing Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton.
He began his managerial career with Swindon Town in 2011 but left them in February of this year.
Di Canio’s career has not been without controversy, with his right-wing political ideas landing him in trouble.
Former Sunderland board member David Milliband, who last week announced he is to step down as a Labour MP, has quit his role with the club in protest at Di Canio’s “past political comments”.