Team Focus: How Paolo Di Canio Is Moulding His Sunderland Side

If there was ever an image that summed up a manager, the one of Paolo Di Canio sliding on his knees at St. James’ Park is nigh on perfect. Overseeing his Sunderland side defeat rivals Newcastle United at their home left a good feeling around the Wearside club. Regardless of this, the club only won two of the seven league games under Di Canio at the end of last season and finished 17th, and they most certainly need to strengthen this summer.

As a result, Danny Graham, Matthew Kilgallon and Titus Bramble - all signs of an outdated and flawed system at the Stadium of Light - were shown the exit door and with their departures, Di Canio had the funding and space to bring in players that would benefit the club. A weak core - only Norwich City (509) and relegated Reading (630) won possession fewer times in the midfield third of the pitch than Sunderland (643) last season - would often leave the team susceptible as the opposition carved through the heart of the side with ease and it's here where Di Canio has looked to improve.

The signings of Modibo Diakité, Cabral and El-Hadji Ba will add to the defensive and midfield solidity, and with the wholly inadequate James McClean having signed for Wigan Athletic; replacement Emanuele Giaccherini will offer a greater creative threat - the Italian created a clear-cut chance every 29.4 minutes in Serie A last season; the 5th most often of players to make 10+ appearances.

With a higher pass completion rate (87.9%) than McClean (78.9%), the Italy international will also offer much-improved ball retention rather than aim to concentrating too much on dribbling. Moreover, his inclination to drift inside would allow the full-back to push on into the space that would be left in his absence, rather than hog the touchline much like McClean, limiting his overall impact within the team. 

Not only will this increase the unpredictability of the Sunderland attack, but also solidify an often-weak midfield. By Giaccherini moving inside, it will add another body to the centre of the pitch, ensuring that the Black Cats are much more difficult to break down, an aspect of their game that was lacking last season. And while Di Canio’s apparent decision to allow Lee Cattermole to leave this summer may weaken this position, he has looked to cover his potential loss amidst reported interest in Uruguayan Walter Gargano.

The midfielder, who spent last season on loan with Inter Milan, is tipped to leave Napoli permanently before the transfer window closes, with recently appointed head coach Rafa Benitez prepared to listen to offers for the tenacious 29-year-old. Averaging 3.5 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, his presence in the middle of the park would strengthen their weak midfield. Not only would his combative style provide a welcome boost to Di Canio’s side, but the creative aspect of his game would allow a further dimension to the Sunderland midfield, evidenced in the 5 clear-cut chances Gargano created during the recent Confederations Cup; no player created more.

With an 83.9% pass success rate last season, only David Vaughan (88.7%), Jack Colback (86%) and Cattermole (85.3%) were more accurate with their passes at Sunderland, but while his success was below the trio; his experience and leadership qualities in the middle of the park would stand him in stronger stead than his potential new teammates. To match this, his work ethic and capability of pressing high up the pitch would likely appeal to Di Canio.

Gargano won possession in the midfield third for Inter 101 times last season, a figure that would’ve made up 15.7% of Sunderland’s 2012/13 total. Either way, it’s evident the direction that the club are going this summer. As Di Canio goes about strengthening his playing squad ahead of the new season and improve on their 17th placed finish this term, a distinct pattern is emerging with regards to his additions.

The manager has confirmed that he aims to bring in two more full-backs and another physical midfielder - “someone who’s English with a physical presence,” says Di Canio - before the close of the window, and a player of Gargano’s ilk would significantly bolster a playing squad that continues to grow bellicosely. With Jozy Altidore adding to that in the attack and Vito Mannone also signing on the dotted line, Sunderland are certainly improving in areas which have become a cause for concern since the end of the season.

With Di Canio exuding the passion that has endeared himself to the supporters already, it’s easy to gain an insight as to how Sunderland will perform next season. They’re not quite there in terms of arrivals, it has to be said, but with the players that have signed, the direction they’re taking will only vastly improve a weak spine and make them a superior outfit as a result.