Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco says he's 'back in the race' to play in Euro 2016, but laments Italy's dearth of strikers.
Once considered among the hottest Azzurri prospects, the 29-year-old fell out of the international radar in the last few years as he was given scant playing time at Juventus.
With an extraordinary 22 goals in 33 games in MLS, many are now touting him for a spectacular return to La Nazionale.
Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco says he's 'back in the race' to play in Euro 2016, but laments Italy's dearth of strikers.
Once considered among the hottest Azzurri prospects, the 29-year-old fell out of the international radar in the last few years as he was given scant playing time at Juventus.
With an extraordinary 22 goals in 33 games in MLS, many are now touting him for a spectacular return to La Nazionale.
“I do consider that,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Some believed that I wouldn't return to the national team, but I did well here and I was called up again.
“The Coach says that he puts no limits [to his call-ups], so I know it's only going to be down to me to earn his attention.
“Last time I heard Conte? During the winter holidays, but we only crossed each other briefly.
“The different calendar in MLS may represent an advantage, but frankly it's largely an irrelevant one. Starting from today, though, I'm back in the race.
“The Coach already has some ideas, but in three months there's time enough to effect some changes.
“Knowing that I'll be called up if I do well but left home if I don't is helpful, regardless of what people may say about my peace of mind."
The attack is arguably Italy's weakest department, but Giovinco feels the team can compensate for that difference.
“We certainly don't have the strikers that we used to, and the numbers prove that. But now we have elements that can do really well when they're placed in teams that are set up properly.
“We used to rely on the creativity of an individual, now it's more about the game. Times have changed, and everyone has their own opinion. In any case, with the national team we should all have a more positive attitude,” he said, in reference to an article by Gazzetta claiming that Italy had no strikers anymore.
Giovinco's place for a call-up is currently contested by the likes of Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile.
“It's a good thing that I can't take my place for granted. After all, this has always been the case for me, and it's something that strengthened my character.
“If I go to France and I get to play, then the Coach will field me as a supporting striker.
“Juventus' comeback? I'm not surprised at all. In fact, I'd been expecting it for a long time. Considering Juve's strength, I knew it was just a bad start and that they would re-emerge.
“Napoli and Fiorentina undoubtedly show the best game in Serie A, but in football winning is what matters the most and Juventus have something that the other teams don't.”