If anyone needed reminding that Sebastian Giovinco is still a strong candidate for an Italy shirt, then they haven’t been watching any MLS. Or any highlights, anyway.
With his hat-trick last night against New York City FC, the Atomic Ant didn’t just blast away former Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo, or earn a key 5-0 playoff win. Giovinco’s personal hat-trick took him to 21 goals for the season, one less than the 2015 campaign, where he was voted the MVP.
Last night’s performances was sensational, Giovinco needing only six minutes to backheel an Altidore long-ball to a halt, before smashing in a right-footed effort across goal to open the scoring. The 29-year-old also added an assist, which was enough to end TFC through to an Eastern Confidence showdown with Canadian rivals Montreal Impact, who boast former Milanista Marco Donadel among their ranks.
And yet, for all his prowess, Sebastian is being ignored by Italy, despite the fact that the Azzurri have hardly looked stacked in the creative department.
His last game for Italy came over a year ago, when he helped Italy beat Norway at the Olimpico to cap off the Azzurri’s underwhelming qualifying campaign. Giovinco immediately got on a plane after the game, so that he could play against the Red Bulls less than 24 hours later. Talk about commitment!
Surely all of the above should be enough to merit at least some attention, if not a call-up?
@marcodemi90, adapted by @EdoDalmonte
