“I hold a similar position to the one he used to play in,” admitted the Juventus youngster who’ll be training with Zola for the Olympics squad.

“His advice has been invaluable. I hope to follow his career path. After all, it was Claudio Ranieri who launched Zola in the Napoli side in 1991. What if he did the same with me?”

Giovinco spent last season on loan at Empoli, but did enough to earn a recall and potentially a key part in the Bianconeri side.

“That year on loan was very important. I am no longer a kid now, I’m more experienced and feel ready for any challenge. There is no fear,” he told Tuttosport.

“The Olympic Games represents a chance that so few players get to take, so I am sure that even if I do miss Juve’s Champions League preliminary round, I will be able to play in that competition and hear the theme music as I walk out on to the pitch.

“That is the most important tournament for me and holds real fascination for all players.”

Many have mentioned Giovinco’s pint-sized structure – he is only 1.64m tall – and he even jokes about it during his goal-scoring celebration by holding his hand above his head.

“At the Olympics there’ll also be Leo Messi, one of the most talented youngsters in world football. I think they made much less of a deal about his height than they did with me, though.”