Italy coach considers call-up for Toronto striker

Italy coach Antonio Conte is considering calling up Sebastian Giovinco and hasn’t ruled out a return for Mario Balotelli.

The Azzurri host Malta and Bulgaria on September 3 and 6 respectively and Conte is due to announce the squad for those games in the coming days.

Conte has said Giovinco, who moved to Toronto earlier this year, Balotelli, who has recently returned to AC Milan on loan, and Andrea Pirlo are all possible call-ups.

“Giovinco is doing very well in Canada and I think he may be an important player for the national team,” he told the press.

“Pirlo was among the best on the pitch in the last match against Portugal and as long as he proves to make a difference then he will be with us.

“You deserve a place in the national team by your behaviour and the doors are always open, it’s up to Mario to earn a place with his performance.”