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Like youngsters in the playground, Paolo Di Canio and Martin Jol talked about footballers like they were swapping Panini stickers after Fulham’s smash-and-grab win, writes Martin Walker.

Jol claimed his first-ever victory at the Stadium of Light, after two previous visits with the Cottagers and two with Spurs, then talked about “collecting” top-drawer players on loan.

Di Canio, on the other hand, bemoaned his side’s failure to turn their dominance into goals,

Then, after persuading his boss Ellis Short to buy a 10-pack this summer, the Italian said he needs another FIVE new players to add to his sticker book.

Di Canio threw half of the Wearsiders' new boys into the opening game after spending £16million since the end of last season.

Forward Jozy Altidore, a £6.5million buy from AZ Alkmaar, looked menacing in the first half, but faded.

Czech right-back Ondrej Celustka, on loan from Turkish side Trabzonspor, looked a class act, and Cape Verde-born Swiss international Cabral also has potential.

But Emanuele Giaccherini, a midfielder who cost £6.5m from Juventus, was largely ineffective and French defender Valentin Roberge, signed from Portuguese side Maritimo, was at fault for the goal.

(Image: Chris Brunskill)

Sunderland’s new-look squad may have had five stars for fitness and athleticism, but for firepower in front of goal: zero.

Jol also shuffled his pack and gave three debuts, to keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and midfielders Derek Boateng and Adel Taarabt.

His new additions brought one star for possession, but ability to score from crucial set-pieces: five.

“It is nice to collect these players,” grinned the Dutchman. “If you are a team like we are it is always nice to be able to get players like Adel Taarabt.

“Eighteen months ago he was valued at £15m to go to PSG, to get him on a free is really good. Darren Bent was £15m when we bought him for Spurs and £23m when he went to Aston Villa, so to get him on loan is great.”

Di Canio was quick to remind Sunderland owner Short that his financial outlay on players has been less than the club has spent in previous years.

“We have brought in 10 players, but there have been exits,” said the Black Cats boss.

“We have done very well, and have brought in players with much less money spent.

“But it would be perfect to have a left-back, two central midfield players, one winger and another striker. Five players.

“But we have to be realistic and there is no chance of that.”

Di Canio’s side looked like a well-oiled machine in the first half and completely dominated.

Altidore forced an early corner, while Cabral had two decent chances and Celustka forced a fine save from Stekelenburg.

But Dimitar Berbatov forced a 53rd-minute corner, and Pajtim Kasami out-jumped Roberge to score Fulham’s winner.

Di Canio added: “The only team that tried to play football today, and create clear chances, was Sunderland.”