As one of Signor Giovinco’s biggest fans, the news making the headlines over the past few weeks has regrettably deeply saddened me.

'Sometimes I regret that I am Italian’

The first of many quotes that have left me frustrated for ‘formica atomica’. To allow one of the country’s most promising talents to have come to such a conclusion is disappointing, not only as a Juventus fan, but also in consideration of the wider picture. For La Nazionale.

Frustrated by the lack of first team opportunities with the Bianconeri, it seems as though despite the Azzurri fielding eight Juve stars in the last World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, the most talented of them all is continuing to knock on the door to no avail. For a club that has been so successful at integrating young players into the side, it amazes me how Giovinco has slipped through the net so to speak. I am adamant in my belief that if given a decent run in the side, with his fitness levels improving following his recent lay-off, he will become an important part of Juve’s title bid and European charge.

The post- Bordeaux match comments on Tuesday, in which Giovinco replaced the injured Diego in the starting XI, have left me all the more irritated. The 5ft 4in star admitted that he has much to improve on in the wake of his performance. However, whichever way you want to interpret it, Ciro Ferrara’s comments have left me bewildered.

‘Giovinco did well. He is not and never will be Diego, but that is obvious’

. I acknowledge that the coach was most probably referring to the fact that the two players are far from identical, and offer different attributes to the Bianconeri. However, he could have chosen his words more carefully. No comparisons should be drawn, even if meant off-hand. To virtually admit that Diego is a class above the Azzurrini star, will do nothing but shatter his confidence. Despite this being the unfortunate truth (as a fan of Sebastian), in that Diego is of superior quality at the present time, to hear your manager make such a comment, it begs to ask the question, what effect will this have on Giovinco? Certainly not a positive one.

Looking at the situation from a distance, it is of course great to have such quality competition in the side. However, as many supporters choice as the rightful heir to the great Alex Del Piero’s throne, how long will the starlet be willing to remain patient? Much to the displeasure of many fans reading this, I believe if he were to move on and become the great player we all know he will be, how many of us would bear a grudge against him? With the exception of seeing him in for example an Inter jersey, if he moved to another Serie A side, showcased his talent, broke into the national side and flourished, would we not share his joy? I for one, putting aside all football politics, would be delighted to see the little man donning the Azzurri blue in the very near future.