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In 2013/14, Paulo Di Canio and his Italian connections will be hoping to build character, discipline and quality at Sunderland
What happened last season
After finishing season 2011/12 in good form, Sunderland went into last season with great expectation, particularly after Martin O’Neill managed to snare striker Steven Fletcher and wide man Adam Johnson, two in-demand players.
But the expectation ultimately proved burdensome and the wheels started to fall off, so much so that they ended up in a relegation scrap that saw the end of O’Neill after two winless months in February and March.
In his place came Italian Paulo di Canio, and while there was much chat about his political leanings, it was his football ideology that would ultimately decide the Black Cats’ fate.
Di Canio’s highlights came early, particularly in the thrilling 3-0 win away to Newcastle in the derby, in which the Italian unleashed an almighty sliding celebration, suit and all.
It was followed by another important win and celebration at home to Everton.
What followed was less convincing, including a 6-1 hiding at Aston Villa, but fortunately Wigan, for once, weren’t able to sneak out of jail.
The fact goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was the Wearsider’s best summed up the season.
What happened in the off-season
Apart from building fitness and instilling discipline, Di Canio and his Italian technical staff that includes director of football Roberto De Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni have set about strengthening the squad through a number of free transfers and two big-name marquee recruits.
Striker Jozy Altidore and wide play-maker Emanuele Giaccherini look like great purchases, particularly at the prices paid to AZ Alkmaar and Juventus respectively.
The American has been banging in the goals in the Eredivisie, and will be motivated to prove a point four years after his initial spell in EPL with Hull City proved underwhelming.
Altidore looks a far more mature and refined striker these days, and could form a formidable partnership with Stephane Sessegnon if the latter is still around by the close of the transfer period.
Giaccherini’s signature is perhaps even more exciting. A current Azzurri international, he brings winning mentality and much creative quality, and should come in from his starting position on the left and link well with Sessengnon, Altidore and Johnson.
Another exciting addition appears to be Swedish wide player David Moberg Karlsson.
The spending and signings might not be over either, with speculation di Canio might make a play for Italian striker Fabio Quagliarella, while Czech Under-21s right-back Ondrej Celustka might come in on-loan.
Undoubtedly the biggest loss appears to be Mignolet, but Vito Mannone, another Italian, has been brought in from Arsenal and may get a chance to become a number one.
Why Sunderland fans should be excited about the 2013/14 season
This is a new direction for the club, but a very exciting one.
They are bringing in two players with excellent international pedigree, and both will bring plenty of professionalism to a dressing room that appears to lack big-game mentality.
One of the big issues last season was that Sunderland only scored 41 goals, but the addition of Altidore and Giaccherini should help get them above 50, at least.
Di Canio is talking tough and thinking big, and if he can land another big player or two, one in defence, it will only increase their chances of a successful season.
Rather then the often turgid and defensive 4-5-1 under O’Neill, Black Cats fans can expect a more proactive 4-4-2. If Sessengon starts ahead of Fletcher, he could be just behind Altidore.
Giaccherini, too, can also play in an advanced central area, and that may be an option if Karlsson comes along out wide.
The main man that can carry Sunderland’s 2013/14 hopes
While Giaccherini is expected to produce the creative goods, the focus on him should help both Johnson and Altidore.
The latter scored 31 goals at AZ Alkmaar last season and will certainly benefit from Di Canio’s want to play.
While the manager will hope Johnson, Sessengon and Giaccherini get close to double figures, he will need Altidore to get 15 or more.
With his confidence flowing after two productive Eredivise seasons, and the World Cup around the corner, this might be Altidore’s time to shine.
Verdict – Mid-table
John O’Shea and Wes Brown will need to be solid defensively, and Di Canio may need to stiffen his midfield and defence, but he appears to be building a squad that has enough quality to trouble opponents.
The big question is whether they have yet had enough time together to gel, but there were certainly good signs at the Asian Trophy in Hong Kong.
Keeping Johnson, Altidore and Giaccherini fit remains a key challenge, but if they see-out most of the season, they should provide enough quality to keep Sunderland above the drop zone.
This is a huge test for Di Canio and if he can get everyone at Sunderland on the same page, it will be a job very well done.
Sunderland manager Paolo di Cano celebrates with his team.
Paolo di Canio celebrates a Sunderland goal as Alan Pardew looks on.
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