Di Canio furore is necessary

I’ll be honest, since Paolo Di Canio gave that unambiguous one-arm salute to Lazio fans, I’d forgotten his past links to fascism.

So had the owners of Sunderland FC, clearly.

Chris Powell, manager of Charlton, a man Di Canio considers a friend, and — crucially — black, said he was surprised all this hadn’t come up before when the Italian was manager of Swindon.

But then Swindon remains more famous for its mindbending “Magic Roundabout” — five mini roundabouts around one big one, no joke — than the prowess of its football team. (Incidentally, ‘The Magic Roundabout’ was voted the fourth-scariest road junction in Britain in 2009).

The truth is it did come up at Swindon — a major sponsor pulled out in protest — but on the world football map, the Robins are a mere speck.

Sunderland, however, are a big enough blob to command national attention — so Di Canio’s past comments on his political leanings have been dragged back up. 

It’s awoken the national football press’ conscience — and I’m all in support of that. Being Sunderland manager is a high-profile, well-paid job and, as the club’s board had so obviously failed to do it, Di Canio needed to be vetted.

Di Canio has now said he is not a fascist — although if (many) reports are to be believed he still has a tattoo associated with Mussolini on his arm.

Anyway, if it’s possible — and I’m not sure it is — to put the implications of this to one side, the fun is going to be how Di Canio reacts to all this attention. My guess: with relish. There will be tantrums, outbursts, accusations, player bust-ups, over-the-top celebrations.

Sunderland obviously hope this will give the players the jolt they need to survive. I wonder, though, with all the recent furore, whether they are already regretting their choice? As a PR exercise, it’s already backfired. Now for the football.

Premier League

Saturday

11am unless stated

Reading v Southampton

8:45am

New Reading boss Nigel Adkins should get a round of applause from the Saints fans after his good work at the club. His new team are desperately in need of his infectious enthusiasm.

Prediction: 1-2

Norwich v Swansea 

The Canaries are far from safe yet but the solidity Chis Hughton has imposed on the team should be enough to get something from the game and edge to suvival. 

Prediction: 1-1

Stoke v Aston Villa

A friend — and Stoke fan — is a deeply worried man after four defeats in the past five games. Now is not the time to lose form — and the Potters looked lifeless against Everton last week. 

Prediction: 1-1

West Brom v Arsenal

The Gunners have a largely inviting run-in and they’ll test Spurs and Chelsea’s resolve in hanging on to a top-four place — a comfortable away win.

Prediction: 0-2

Sunday

Liverpool v West Ham 

9:30am 

Andy Carroll can’t play against parent club Liverpool, which is a shame considering he has finally found form at the Hammers. Reds too slick.

Prediction: 3-1

Tottenham v Everton

10:05am

On the back of a Europa League tie, this is a real test for Spurs, who have Jermain Defoe out injured. Might struggle to get all three points.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Sunderland

The Di Canio show moves to the football pitch. Expect a reaction from his new players but it won’t be enough at the Bridge.

Prediction: 2-0

Newcastle v Fulham

A victory will finally settle the Toon army’s nerves after a poor season but Benfica last night  demanded a lot of energy from the team. 

Prediction: 1-1

QPR v Wigan

12:10pm

QPR must win this. They won’t. They’re down.

Prediction: 2-3

Monday

Man Utd v Man City

4pm

The big one —although not as big as it could have been if City’s challenge hadn’t faded badly in the face of United’s ruthless consistency. RVP is due a performance and this is set up for him nicely. City have only pride to play for which — if you ask the blue half of Manchester — should be enough.

Prediction: 1-2