Madcap liasons and mischievous flirtations are based on opera scenes first created by Mozart and one of his librettists, Lorenzo Da Ponte, primarily from "Cosi Fan Tutte, " ''Le Nozze di Figaro" and "Don Giovanni.

WSJ: Review: Frisky Malkovich in 'Giacomo Variations'

Di Canio was once a member of a hardcore right-wing fan group that follows his hometown team Lazio -- the club where he started his career and later got into trouble when he returned, when he made straight-arm salutes to the crowd in 2005.

CNN: Di Canio hits back: 'I am not a fascist'

Both have said that Di Canio's appointment will not affect their relationship with Sunderland, while several fan groups told CNN Tuesday that they supported his arrival.

CNN: Di Canio hits back: 'I am not a fascist'