Sunderland vs Newcastle United: Watch as Fabio Borini arrives in North East ahead of FA Cup derby clash

Former Sunderland hero Fabio Borini has arrived in the North East ahead of Saturday's derby clash between Wearside and Tyneside.

It will be the first time in nearly eight years the two clubs have faced each other - when they played out a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in March 2016 - with local pride on the line. Sunderland haven't lost in their last nine games against Newcastle United with Borini providing some of fans' best derby moments over the years.

The Italian scored the winner at the Stadium of Light in a 2-1 victory back in 2013. Later that season, Borini then netted a penalty at the St James' Park to help Sunderland to a 3-0 win on Tyneside.

The 32-year-old attacker, who left Sunderland back in 2018, is now with Italian club Sampdoria but has been spotted in the North East ahead of Saturday's derby. His wife, Erin Borini, posted a video of the pair ironically driving through Newcastle with the caption, "Hawayyyyy the lads. Ready for tomorrow!"

Borini scored 17 goals in 93 appearances during his previous spells at Sunderland between 2013 and 2018, after initially signing for the club on loan from Liverpool, including a goal at Wembley against Manchester City.

Since leaving Sunderland, Borini has played for AC Milan, Hellas Verona and Faith Karagümrük and is now under contract with Serie B side Sampdoria until the summer of 2025. His former clubs also include Chelsea, Liverpool and Swansea City as well as Sunderland.