Paolo Di Canio rejects Lazio speculation

Former Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has rejected speculation linking him with the post of Lazio coach.

Vladimir Petkovic, currently in charge at the Italian club, is leaving to take over as Switzerland's manager at the end of this season.

Di Canio claimed that his poor relationship with Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito would stop him from moving to Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

"Me, coaching Lazio? With Lotito there, never in my life," said Di Canio.

"I don't like him but that's no secret," added the 45-year-old, who left Lazio in 2006 after Lotito refused to extend the striker's contract after he made fascist salutes during matches.

Petkovic will replace Otto Hitzveld with the Swiss national side in July, but there has been speculation the Bosnian could depart the two-time Italian champions before then given they lie 10th in Serie A.

"It's clear that the coach no longer has the power, so maybe it's right to make a change," added Di Canio, who was sacked by Sunderland in September after 13 games in charge.

"It's not Petkovic's fault, but as a coach it's difficult to move a project forward when you know it's already over."