Giovinco retains Italy hope

Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco insists he has not given up hope of being part of Italy’s squad for Euro 2016 this summer.

The 29-year-old has won 23 caps so far for the Azzurri, but he has not been called into the squad by coach Antonio Conte since the 2-1 victory over Norway during qualification for Euro 2016 last October.

The former Juventus striker has been in scintillating form since joining Toronto in January 2015, as he topped the MLS goal scoring charts during his first season with club, scoring 22 goals.

Giovinco also led the way with 16 assists during the last campaign and he has been quick to replicate that form this season, scoring three goals in five appearances to date.

The front man is hoping his fine form will catch the eye of Conte, but he concedes he is not in regular contact with the Azzurri coach, and his main focus for the time being is on helping Toronto achieve success.

He said: “I almost never speak to Azzurri coach Antonio Conte.

Right now my focus is on the MLS, so I will do everything I can here.

“If I am called up, we will see what happens. I would certainly be happy but for me, but my focus is here [for the time being].”

Should Giovinco earn a place in Conte’s final 23-man squad for the finals then he will come up against Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in Group E of the competition.

Italy are available at 2.60 to finish top of the group standings, while they are on offer at 1.15 to qualify for the knockout stages.