Paolo Di Canio : The Autobiography

by Paolo Di Canio

The autobiography of Italian striker, Paolo Di Canio, worshipped by West Ham fans and a footballer who has won the hearts of supporters wherever he has played - this despite his infamous tantrums and volatile behaviour on the pitch. Born into a working-class family in Rome, Di Canio displays the archetypal Latin temperament, which has seen him get into more trouble with referees than can be good for his health. But is there more to him than a one-man inner-city riot? In his autobiography, Di Canio relives his colourful career with a host of clubs, from the likes of Milan, Napoli and Juventus in Italy to Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday and, most recently, West Ham. He describes his Latin roots, the young Italians' pastime of chasing the girls, and the ups and downs of his early football career. He also provides his own version of the shove on referee Paul Alcock, his anger at his club, Sheffield Wednesday, and the feelings of betrayal and isolation following his four-month ban from the game.

Genres: Football, Biography, Autobiography

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Anna]

This really does give a lot of insight into what make the man tick. It's perceptively ghosted by Gabriele Marcotti. I only hope that they produce a vol. 2, covering, inter alia, PdC's time at Swindon Town FC.

[Trevor Clissold · Rating 4 out of 5]

A honest autobiography that should be read by anyone that just dismisses Di Canio as a mad man, giving his side to the story and being completely open about many if the issues in his life on abs off of the pitch

[Reger "Muddy" Dipling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read it in Italian. It's a fascinating look into the mind of one of the most interesting profiles in European football for the last couple of decades.

[Jason Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for those who watched the great man play with a tiramisu recipe thrown in at the end for good measure!

[Doctor Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like his playing career, his life story is part brilliant, part mad and full of inconsistencies. His political views are at times disturbing.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paolo Di Canio is a character. In fact, according to Harry Redknapp, Paolo Di Canio is, "a complete nutter". You can see this clearly in his autobiography as the book is written in quite a random fashion. So random that there is even a recipe at the end of the book. This book showed Paolo's true colours as you can see his madness shining through and his opinions are clearly stated. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as the story was interesting. All in all, this book was honest, intriguing, funny and an overall brilliant read. I only wish there was an updated version of this book covering his later years and short managerial career.

[Lyck Liss · Rating 5 out of 5]

An selfbiograhy written by a interesting and out of the ordinary football personality, it provides a unique insight into the world of football

[Robin Peake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Random at times, no more so than when the last chapter ends with a tiramisu recipe and a chat about Mussolini. Good insight though into a very principled man

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most entertaining, and I am eternally grateful to the mad fascist for the tips on reheating pasta.

[Chris Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

superb, the mans a freeking legend