Gianfranco Zola admits he would love to sign Sebastian Giovinco for West Ham, as Juventus aren’t making the most of his talent.
The Under-21 international is well known to Zola, who was the assistant manager to Pierluigi Casiraghi for two years.
“He has the mentality and the technique to be one of the greats and he has got to play,” said the Hammers boss.
“The fact he celebrates scoring a goal with his hand above his head to joke about how short he is also proves he uses great humour, recognising his weakness may well be his strength, as it makes him faster.”
Bianconeri fans have been increasingly frustrated at the lack of playing time afforded to ‘The Atomic Ant’ since he returned from a loan spell at Empoli.
Arsenal are also very interested in snapping up the youngster, but Zola feels they are all going to be left empty-handed.
“Giovinco for me is in the category of players who can make the difference, because they can change the course of a game.
“Unfortunately, I think Juventus are not going to release him, especially as he will certainly be of use as the season wears on.”
Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri explained after last night’s 4-0 win over Reggina what the future holds for Giovinco.
“We already sent him out on loan to mature last season. Now he has to battle to win his place in the side. There is no point in him playing 20 games in another team, as he needs to earn his position at Juventus.
“It won’t be easy, but this club means always asking for more and pushing yourself beyond your limitations.
“We called him back because we have great belief in Giovinco. He doesn’t have a specific position yet, as he could be a support striker or wide left in a 4-4-2, where he played a lot for Empoli last term, which is why I didn’t sign another player to be Pavel Nedved’s understudy.”
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