Full name: Sebastian Giovinco
Country: Italy
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 26/01/87
Position: Striker/Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Clubs: Juventus, Empoli (loan), Parma (loan)
At only 1.64 metres the diminutive figure of Sebastian Giovinco has made quite an impact since arriving at the Tardini on loan at Parma this season, being one of the club’s star performers and helping them to their position in mid table security. He’s enjoyed his time playing for the Gialloblù so much that he has spoken about how he’d rather stay there than return to his parent club Juventus.
He made his Serie A debut at Juventus in 2007, and literally made an immediate impact with a terrific assist for a David Trezeguet goal against Bologna, leading to much hype surrounding the young playmaker and his possible ability to succeed Alessandro Del Piero at the Bianconeri.
However, “I [would] prefer to stay here at Parma. I have already informed club president [Tommaso] Ghirardi and general director [Pietro] Leonardi about my desire to stay put,” Giovinco said. It’s perfectly possible too, given that Parma have an option to purchase half of the rights to the player as part of the loan deal which saw him join the Crociati on loan at the start of the season.
However, Juventus will be reluctant to let the pacey winger go, as he’s prove his abilities once more throughout this season, none more so than against the Old Lady, when he struck twice in a 4-1 victory early in the season and the only goal in a 1-0 victory earlier this month, and a screamer it was too:
Giovinco’s short stature combined with his trickery on the ball has meant that he has earned himself the nickname formica atomica (atomic ant), but it isn’t only his skill on the ball which has impressed this season, as his goalscoring ability is evident, scoring seven goals this season with only Hernan Crespo scoring more for Parma.
His long passing vision and accuracy has also shone this season, combined with with an impressive set-piece and crossing ability also causing problems for opposition defences and goalkeepers alike.
It seems that in terms of an attacking threat Sebastian Giovinco has talent that most players can only dream of, and Juventus will certainly be hoping the Turin-born playmaker who rose through the youth ranks at Juve will be returning home come the start of next season.
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