Ranieri: Giovinco's Time Will Come

Ranieri: Giovinco's Time Will Come

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has responded to criticism of the way he has handled Sebastian Giovinco, insisting the youngster must be bled into the first team...

Giovinco has been at the centre of considerable speculation in recent weeks, with reports emerging that he is dissatisfied with his current situation in Turin.

The 21-year-old attacker has made just a handful of Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri since being promoted to the senior squad. He spent last season on loan at Empoli and impressed immensely despite their relegation, yet he remains on the fringes at Juve.

Negotiations over a new contract have come to a standstill, and it is being whispered that the Old Lady could effectively banish the Azzurrini star until he decides to commit his future to the club.

Furthermore, Giovinco has attracted a host of suitors - the most ardent being Arsene Wenger, who is eager to add the pint-sized playmaker to his young Arsenal squad.

Juve fans are growing restless with Ranieri's apparent refusal to play one of Italy's most talented youngsters while persisting with less popular players like Christian Poulsen.

But the former Chelsea manager has stood firm, insisting that Giovinco will get his chance eventually and must be patient.

“His time will come slowly but surely - we shouldn't wait for him like a Messiah,” Ranieri said. “We have to see him as a lad who needs to be slowly integrated and we have to take a responsible approach.

“I have never said that he poses a tactical problem. He is just developing as a player - he always played in the centre and then he was on the left at Empoli.

“I brought him back to be a back-up to Pavel Nedved but that doesn't mean that he can't be used in attack.

“I have a lot of faith in him. He works hard and he has great quality but let's give him some time.”

Gio Moldovino