Toronto FC forward, Sebastian Giovinco, will be returning to Italy’s national team for the first time in three years. The MLS superstar will be joining his home country’s team in a friendly game against Ukraine on October 10th, followed by UEFA Nation’s League match against Poland on October 14th.
Giovinco, who has not sported the Azzurri jersey since 2015, has been asked to join his national team by coach Roberto Mancini in light of his tremendous career in the MLS. The striker has made 139 appearances with the Toronto soccer club and has scored 82 goals since signing with the team in 2015.
Giovinco has previously played with Italy’s national team for a total of 23 times and has scored one goal. The 31-year old will be joined by previous contributors Marco Verratti and Alessandro Florenzi, and united with first-time Sampdoria winger Gianluca Caprari.
The Italian national team will be paying a tribute to the Morandi bridge disaster in Genova, which killed 43 people this past August. The squad will be sporting a tribute on their jerseys, as well as making a 30 second halt at the 43rdminute of the first half to honour those who passed.
Nice striker and frequent contributor to Azzurri, Mario Balotelli, will not be joining the national team after losing to Portugal, this past September.
Giovinco’s style of playing is noted for his agility, technical skill and excellent ball control, which has earned him the reputation as one of the best contemporary MLS players. His small, yet quick stature has earned him the nickname Formica Atomica (Atom Ant). Despite frequently playing the role of striker, the Italian native proves to be quite flexible as a player; capable of playing as a winger and attacking midfield.
The TFC forward began his career playing for Juventus, from 2006 until 2015, although he was on loan for Empoli and Parma from 2007-2008 and 2010-2012, respectively. His signing to Toronto in 2015 made him the highest paid MLS player.
