Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco’s chances of playing again for Italy
By Nick McAdam
Sebastian Giovinco has made 23 appearances for Italy’s international team. What are the chances the Toronto FC star features for his country again, and possibly in a World Cup scenario?
MLS supporters know just how special the Atomic Ant is. Sebastian Giovinco’s uncanny abilities have made him a candidate for the league MVP ever since his arrival. Even though he is up there in age, the 31-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down for Toronto FC.
The forward has scored 55 goals in the MLS regular season, which doesn’t include the five he’s had in the playoffs. For those who say the MLS is easier to play in, Giovinco notched 40 goals and 38 assists in his total Serie A career.
Most have witnessed just how great Giovinco is in the free-kick department. In fact, his direct conversion rate and total minutes per free-kick goal are second-best in the world; ahead of Lionel Messi, but just behind Paulo Dybala.
He’s a world-known player at the moment. The MLS seems to always have a preference to bring in players that can help grow the game from their popularity. Giovinco may not have been the most known when coming to North America, but his skill has made him the best in the continent.
Despite all of which was mentioned above, Giovinco still struggles to find reps on the Italian squad. The attacker only made four appearances in Italy’s World Cup Qualification campaign, which ultimately ended in failure.
That’s been the story for Giovinco in the national team. He makes very few appearances and has no chance to make an impact to stay in the side. Furthermore, his skills in the MLS were criticized by manager Giampiero Ventura who, as reported by The Guardian, said the quality in the league wasn’t good enough:
"“I have done everything to help him, but the reality is that he plays in a league that doesn’t matter much,” Ventura said. “And the number of goals he scores is less important because with the quality he has got, he is bound to make a difference in that league. The problem is that if you play in that type of league, and you get used to playing in that type of league, it becomes a problem of mentality.”"
Add in the fact that Giovinco might be closer to hanging up the boots than we think, and he might not have another chance with Italy.
There seems to be even less hope considering the fact Italy failed to qualify with an older squad. Ventura and the rest of the Italian board are going to look for younger talent, and the Ant doesn’t fit into that category.
However, the optimist Givovinco seems to be remains hopeful that one day Italy will come knocking on his door. The MLS website noted this when the three-time MLS All-Star said:
"“It’s obvious that for a footballer, wearing Azzurro and winning with that shirt is the maximum aspiration, and it always will be. All that I can do is continue along this path, playing well for my club. If [Italy] were to call me, I’d be delighted.”"
The only thing left to determine is what isn’t said by the media. In other words, what the reality of domestic competition, age and national team selection are.
The number of years plays a heavy role within the process. Giovinco is key within Greg Vanney’s Toronto FC lineup, and he could have a few more 20-goal seasons left in him.
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On the other hand, four years is a long time to wait for a World Cup. Euros might be a more realistic target for Giovinco, who would surely be honored to feature in such a competition.
Finally, all of the factors line up to the word of the powerful forces in football. Who will argue against the scouting and analysis of master tacticians such as Ventura or Antonio Conte? If they feel Giovinco isn’t the guy for Italy, most can assume the rest of the country will feel the same way.
The odds are stacked against Giovinco. He definitely could put up two more years of sublime football in hopes to reach the Euros. However, any World Cup dreams seem out of the question, especially since we don’t know where Italy will be in the rebuilding stage in four years.
The national team isn’t out of reach for the Italian. However, Giovinco needs to keep being MLS MVP material with Toronto FC for his dream to finally come true.
Next: How important is the Champions League to TFC?
Will Giovinco ever have another shot with Italy? How many more “good” years does he have in him? Let us know in the comments below.