Paolo Di Canio, a former Italian professional footballer, became notorious for various incidents, including verbally attacking referees and making fascist gestures during his goal celebrations. His fiery personality often overshadowed his remarkable talent on the pitch.
Exactly 25 years ago on this day, he showcased his exceptional football skills by scoring a truly stunning volley in the Premier League.
From Humble Beginnings to the Premier League
Paolo Di Canio was born on July 9, 1968, in Rome, in the working-class neighbourhood of Quarticciolo, which was primarily populated by AS Roma supporters. Nevertheless, he launched his youth football career with their city rivals, Lazio.
As a child, he developed a fondness for sugary soft drinks, which led to struggles with his weight. He also dealt with knock-knees, necessitating the use of orthopaedic footwear.
With relentless determination and hard work, he managed to overcome these challenges, transforming into the professional footballer he aspired to be. In his own words, these obstacles “shaped him into the person he is today.”
Di Canio began his journey in the Italian Serie A, representing clubs like Lazio, Juventus, Napoli, and AC Milan, followed by a brief stint with Celtic in Scotland. Later, he spent seven seasons in the English Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham United, and Charlton Athletic.
He returned to Italy in 2004, playing for Lazio and later for Cisco Roma, a lower-league club, before retiring in 2008. Throughout his playing career, he made over 500 league appearances and netted more than one hundred goals.
Primarily a deep-lying forward, he was also capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or a winger. Di Canio was widely regarded for his technical prowess, although his controversial behaviour on and off the pitch often overshadowed his football prowess.
Controversial Character and Incidents
One of the most notable incidents involving Paolo Di Canio occurred in 1998 when, while playing for Sheffield Wednesday, he insulted referee Paul Alcock during a match against Arsenal at Hillsborough Stadium. After receiving a red card, he pushed the referee to the ground, leading to an 11-match ban and a £10,000 fine.
However, Di Canio ignited even greater controversy with his fascist gestures during goal celebrations while at Lazio from 2004 to 2006.
Although Lazio’s ultras had affiliations with fascism, Di Canio never concealed his far-right political beliefs.
He openly adopted the Fascist salute, a gesture that harkens back to the Italian fascists of the 20th century. Documented instances of this salute included matches against Lazio’s arch-rival AS Roma and the left-wing aligned Livorno. Following the second incident, he received only a one-match ban and a €7,000 fine.
Di Canio was quoted as stating, “I will always salute as I did because it gives me a sense of belonging to my people.”
“I saluted my people with what for me is a sign of belonging to a group that holds true values, values of civility against the standardisation that this society imposes upon us.”
In his 2001 autobiography, ‘Paolo Di Canio: l’Autobiografia’, he expressed admiration for the Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and even sported a tattoo of Mussolini.
Many of Di Canio’s other tattoos have also been subjects of controversy. For example, his right bicep bears the Latin term ‘Dux’ and the Italian ‘Il Duce’, both associated with Mussolini, meaning ‘leader’.
His back is adorned with fascist imagery, including an eagle and fasces along with a portrait of Mussolini. These arm tattoos caused an uproar when he appeared as a pundit on Sky Sports Italia wearing only a T-shirt, resulting in his suspension from the network.
Di Canio’s Iconic Volley
Despite the numerous controversies and displays of radicalism, Paolo Di Canio brought considerable joy to the world of football. As a forward, he scored many goals, but one in particular stands out. On March 26, 2000, he netted what many consider the most outstanding goal of his career.
This historic moment came during a Premier League match for West Ham United, where Di Canio enjoyed the longest stint of his professional career (1999–2003, with 141 appearances and 51 goals). The Hammers faced off against Wimbledon.
Di Canio’s breathtaking goal occurred in the ninth minute. A high cross entered the box from the left, finding him perfectly positioned. He executed a splendid volley with the outside of his right foot, sending the ball flying across the goal and into the net at the far post.
His remarkable goal was later voted as the goal of the season and ranked among the top 10 goals of the Premier League decade in 2002.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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