Giovinco: I Can Be The ‘New Zola’

Giovinco: I Can Be The ‘New Zola’

Young Juventus sensation Sebastian Giovinco believes that he can be the new Gianfranco Zola of Italian football.

Giovinco is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in world football, and he had a fine season on-loan at Empoli last campaign, scoring six goals in 20 Serie A starts.

“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,” the 21-year-old told Tuttosport.

Fantasista Giovinco is only 1.64m tall, and this has led to comparisons with former Chelsea, Napoli and Parma star Gianfranco Zola.

“I hold a similar position to the one he used to play in,” said Giovinco, who plays under Italy Under-21 assistant coach Zola.

“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 will play for the Under-21s at this summer’s Olympic Games, and he is being tipped to be one of the stars in Beijing.

“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,” he explained.

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

Gianni Wilson