The day that many Juventini were dreading has finally arrived. It has been confirmed that Sebastian Giovinco has left the club to join Parma initially on loan with the option to buy at the end of the season.

Giovinco is Parma bound ©GettyImages

Rumours have been circulating for weeks regarding Seba’s future, and after years of frustration sitting on the sidelines looking on at his beloved Bianconeri, ‘formica atomica’ has decided to leave Turin in order to showcase his undoubted talent.

“Giovinco is now a Parma player and we are very happy,” general manager of Parma Pietro Leonardi told Sky Sport Italia.

It is believed that Parma have paid €500,000 to land the little magician for this season, and will have the option to buy half of his contract next summer. The move does not come as a shock as Giovinco has been linked with a move to both Parma and Bari for several weeks, but nevertheless the disappointment that surrounds his departure is still evident.

Coaches have been and gone without giving the Italy under-21 star a chance to break into the first team. Touted as the rightful heir to Alex Del Piero’s throne, Bianconeri tifosi have long admired the youngster and have waited for him to make his mark on the club. Having impressed whilst on loan at Empoli two years ago, along with Claudio Marchisio who is now a permanent fixture in the Juve starting line-up, Giovinco failed to hold down a starting place. He drifted in and out of the side, making an impact when called upon, yet here we are discussing what could have been. All may not be lost, Seba may return at the end of the season and give Turin another shot. However, if he were to flourish under the stewardship of Pasquale Marino at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, then few could blame him for wishing to continue at Parma.

Despite breaking the mould and being one of the few clubs in Italy to give youth a chance, the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Claudio Marchisio will continue to improve at the Olimpico this season and upon the return to the Delle Alpi. However, despite never being given the chance to demonstrate his talent on the biggest European stage thus far, the youth team product will hope to make a name for himself following his move.

As I’m sure he will be greeted with a warm welcome when he returns to Turin, we wish him the best of luck with his new club and hope that he is given the chance he deserves. Buona Fortuna Seba, just make sure you don’t find the net when you come see us this season!

- On a happier note, if anyone is planning to attend the Italy v Ivory Coast game on Tuesday night at Upton Park get in touch, shall see you all there. Forza Azzurri!