Di Canio: Cup upset like sex with Madonna

Paolo Di Canio says scoring the winner against Manchester United in the FA Cup was like ‘having sex with Madonna’.

And the Swindon Town manager is looking for his team to recreate that feeling when they face Aston Villa in the League Cup on Tuesday.

The enigmatic Italian controversially netted the winner for West Ham in a fourth-round tie at Old Trafford in 2001 and wants to experience a similar sensation as a manager by masterminding the Robins to victory against Premier League opposition Villa.

“I have to tell you, when I scored that goal to knock out Manchester United, it was a very exciting moment,” Di Canio said.

“It was like having sex with Madonna. I don’t know if this will be the same as a manager. Probably yes.

“It would be fantastic. Let me try it.”

Since arriving at the County Ground last year, Di Canio has reinvigorated Swindon, leading them to promotion from League Two, putting their success down to playing football at a top-flight standard and plenty of positive reinforcement in the dressing room.

“Since my arrival, we have tried to play more like football is played in the Premier League,” said Di Canio.

“The way I work on the details with my football, I think it is easier to play against Manchester United (than lesser sides) because we play good football.

“I am sure that if we play them one day, we are going to create four clear chances – and maybe concede six goals.

“I’m never going to lie to my players. I told them we can win against Villa – we can win against any side.”