Sebastian Giovinco

At 37 years old, Sebastian Giovinco has this physical status:

Sebastian Giovinco (Italian pronunciation: [sebastjan doviko]; born on January 26, 1987) is an Italian former professional footballer who competed as a forward. Giovinco, a quick and versatile forward with the ability to play in a variety of offensive roles, was a versatile forward who was able to play in various offensive roles.

Giovinco began his professional career with Italian club Juventus in 2006, and then spent loan stints with Italian clubs Empoli and Parma. He signed for Toronto FC in 2015, making him the league's highest paid player. Three Canadian Championships and the MLS Cup are among his awards with the club. He received the MLS Golden Boot Award, the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award, the George Gross Memorial Trophy for the most valuable player of the Canadian Championship, and the CONCACAF Champions League Golden Ball individually. He departed as the club's all-time top goalscorer. In 2019, he joined Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, where he won the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Pro League and King Cup in his first year with the team and the Saudi Pro League and King Cup in his second season.

Giovinco made his international debut in 2011 when he earned his first appearance with the Italy senior team, and later in 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he earned a bronze medal and scored his first international goal.

Early life

Giovinco was born in Turin to Giovanni, a Sicilian, who lived in Bisacquino, and Elvira, a Calabrian mother, was born in Catanzaro, who moved from Southern Italy. He grew up in Beinasco, a suburb southwest of Milan, and joined the Juventus youth club in 1996 when he was nine years old. Giuseppe's younger brother, who was also a member of the Juventus Youth Academy, now plays in Serie C.

Personal life

Sebastian and his partner Sharj Milano celebrated the birth of their first child, Jacopo, in May 2013, and the pair have been together since 2007. Alma, their daughter, was born in Toronto in August 2016.

Giovinco appears in EA Sports' FIFA video game series; he appeared on the front page of EA Sports' FIFA 16.

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Club career

Giovinco was born in the youth system of Juventus, and he flourished through the ranks of the club, winning the Campionato Nazionale Primavera, Coppa Italia, and Primavera, as well as the Viareggio Tournament, where he was voted best player of the tournament.

During the 2006–07 season, Giovinco was promoted to the first team and spent his remaining season in the Primavera squad. In his first appearance as a replacement for David Trezeguet's tap-in, his professional debut came on May 12, 2007 against Bologna; he appeared as a replacement in place of Raffaele Palladino. Since then, he had been speculated to be Alessandro Del Piero's successor in the creative number ten role behind the main striker, also known as the trequartista, rifinitore, or fantasista in Italian. Juventus captured the Serie B crown last season, winning promotion to Serie A the following season.

Giovinco was loaned out to Empoli on July 4, 2007. On August 26, he made his Serie A debut on August 26th, starting as a replacement against Fiorentina. Giovinco scored his first Serie A goal against Palermo on September 30th, a 3–1 victory. On October 4th, he made his European debut in the UEFA Cup against Zürich. Giovinco's first season in Serie A was a success in 35 appearances, winning the Leone d'Argento award by the club. Despite Giovinco's promising results, Empoli were unable to avoid relegation, and he returned to Juventus at the end of the season.

Giovinco officially returned to Juventus on June 26, 2008. Giovinco played his first Serie A match against Catania on September 24th before assisting Vincenzo Iaquinta and BATE Borisov in the Champions League's 2–2 draw on September 30, his first appearance for the club. In a 2–1 victory, he scored his first goal for Juventus, a free kick against Lecce on December 7th. In October 2008, he signed a contract extension, tying him to Juventus until the summer of 2013. Despite a promising start, Giovinco did not play regularly and made sporadic appearances throughout the season, both on the playing bench and in Claudio Ranieri's preferred 4–4–2 scheme, and was often used out of place on the left wing. However, he did receive praise in the media for his Man of the match effort against Bologna on March 14, 2009, when he first set up a goal from a corner and later scored another from a half-volley to help Juventus come from behind to win the match 4–1. He scored three goals in 27 appearances in all competitions, two of which came from 19 Serie A appearances.

Ciro Ferrara, the club's new manager, was forced into a tactical change due to injury to first choice midfielders Mauro Camoranesi and Claudio Marchisio, and Giovinco was notably dropped into the starting lineup in his fourth game of the season. Alberto Zaccheroni, the following chairman, was barely present under his reign. After going through tests in April, he sustained a training ground injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Parma reported the signing of Giovinco on loan from Juventus, as well as the option to buy half of the player's transfer rights at the end of the season. In a 2–0 victory over Brescia on August 29, he made his Parma debut against Brescia. In a 2–1 loss to Catania, he scored his first goal for Parma on September 12, 2010, a free kick. Giovinco received a call up to represent the Italian national team after an impressive start to the season. In a 4–1 victory over Parma against his parent club, Juventus, on January 6, 2011, Giovinco scored two goals for Parma. He recovered his form at Parma's end of the season and made his break-through with the club, scoring 7 goals in 30 appearances in the league, after initially struggling to settle in. Parma exercised the right to buy half of Giovinco's work for €3 million at the end of the season.

Giovinco scored against Juventus once more on September 11th, the first match of the 2011-12 season, where he found the net from a penalty in a 4–1 away loss. In the penultimate match of the season, he scored a volley from 30 yards out against Siena on May 6th, which resulted in a 2–0 away win. Giovinco finished in his second season with Parma as the club's top goalscorer (151) and assist provider (11) in Serie A, helping the team reach their eighth-place finish in the league; in total, he played 70 times during his two seasons with the club, scoring 23 goals and 22 assists.

Juventus reported on June 21 that it had purchased the remaining half of Giovinco's transfer rights from Parma for €11 million, tethering him to the Turin club until June 30, 2015. Giovinco had been given the number 10 jersey under new manager Antonio Conte, despite his claim that he would have been able to wear the number 10 shirt, which was vacated after Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero left the team. Giovinco won his first title with Juventus on August 11, 2012, assisting the team in defeating Napoli 4–2 in the 2012 Supercopa Italiana. Giovinco's debut in the 2012-2013 season against Parma's former team, Parma, was a success, but Giovinco sustained a minor injury two minutes before the game ended. Giovinco scored two goals and won a penalty, which was converted by Chilean teammate Arturo Vidal, as Juventus advanced to defeat Friuli 4–1 in Udine on September 2nd.

Giovinco scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against FC Nordsjlland on November 7th, a match in which Juventus defeated Juventus 4–0 at Juventus Stadium. Juventus defeated defending champions Chelsea 3–0 at home and then advanced to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2008–09 tournament. He scored his third goal. Giovinco scored his fifth league goal of the season on December 1st, beating Torino on the 1st of Claudio Marchisio's two goals in a 3–0 triumph at home. Giovinco scored in the first minute of the second half of the match against Cagliari, allowing Juventus to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition; coincidentally, Giovinco (who was wearing the number 12 shirt for Juventus at the time) scored in the 12th minute of the second half of the game, his twelfth for the club. Juventus eventually won their Serie A title this season, with Giovinco scoring 7 goals in the league and 11 in total in all competitions, only to fail out to the 2012 winners of the respective tournaments, Bayern Munich and Lazio.

Giovinco missed out on Juventus's 2013 Supercopa Italiana victory, and he went scoreless in the 2013–14 season before finally scoring a big point in a 3–2 victory over Milan on October 6, 2013. Giovinco came out of form and struggled to recover playing time, but he did a good job against Udinese on April 14, 2014, knocking the ball past a guard and scoring with a left footed curling shot from outside the box. Giovinco finished with two goals in 17 Serie A appearances this season, as well as one in the Coppa Italia, as Juventus claimed their third straight Serie A title. Giovinco scored two goals in a 6–1 victory over Hellas Verona in the Coppa Italia in January 2015, bringing Juventus to the quarter-finals of the tournament; the first came from a free kick and the second in injury time.

Giovinco, a Canadian team, has joined Major League Soccer's Toronto FC on January 19, 2015 (MLS). Following the conclusion of the Serie A season in July 2015, he was expected to join the team. He signed a five-year contract with a reported annual salary of $7 million, making him the highest paid player in MLS ahead of Orlando City SC's Kaká and the highest-paid Italian player in all leagues. Giovinco had left the club five months earlier than expected in order to kick-start his MLS career with Toronto FC, according to Juventus's on February 2nd. On March 7, Giovinco made his Toronto FC debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps. In the 32nd minute, he assisted Jozy Altidore's equalizing goal. In a 3–2 loss to Chicago Fire on April 4, he scored his first goal for Toronto FC, as well as setting up Benoît Cheyrou's goal later. Giovinco scored and assisted a goal in a 3–2 home victory over Montreal Impact in the 2015 Canadian Championship semifinals, although Montreal lost on away goals after winning the home leg 1–0. Giovinco was named Major League Soccer Player of the Week by North American Soccer Reporters for week 13 of the 2015 MLS season, after putting up two goals in TFC's 3–1 home victory over San José on May 30. For the second week in a row, the following week, he was named MLS Player of the Week for two consecutive weeks after his two goals in Toronto FC's 2–1 away victory over D.C. United.

Giovinco won the match against New York City FC in a 4–4 draw, setting up their fourth goal of the season and missing a penalty. It was also the third fastest hat trick in the league's history, with a time of 9 minutes. For the third time in the 2015 MLS season, he was named Player of the Week after the game. Giovinco was one of the 22 players to be named on the 2015 MLS All-Star Game roster after scoring and assisting in a 2–1 home victory over Philadelphia Union on July 18, 2015, but he was later ruled out of the game due to injury and replacement by his teammate Altidore. Giovinco won by 4-1 home victory over Orlando City on August 5th, taking him to the top of the MLS scoring charts with 16 goals for the first time since Dwayne De Rosario's single-season record of 15 goals set in 2010. He was named Etihad Airways Player of the Month for July 2015 on August 6, 2015, and he was crowned on August 6th. Giovinco's free kick against Orlando City on August 14 was named the MLS Goal of the Week Award on August 14, 2015. In the 51st minute of a 2–1 victory over Montreal Impact due to an adductor strain, the man was ruled out indefinitely. He was named MLS Player of the Month for August for the second time in a row on September 3. In a 3–1 home loss to the New England Revolution ten days later, he returned to the starting lineup.

Giovinco set a new MLS record for most combined goals and assists in a single season on September 26th, his 15th and 16th assists of the season on a single season, up from Chris Wondolowski's 15th and 16th assists of the season in a 3–2 victory over Chicago, bringing his total number to 35. Jonathan Osorio's goal from a Giovinco "cross" was later credited as Giovinco's target by the MLS as the first player to play at least 20 goals and 10 assists in a single MLS season, as his 16th goal was changed to his 20th goal.

He scored the decisive goal in a 2–1 home victory over the New York Red Bulls on the left flank, resulting in a left-footed strike just inside the stadium; the win allowed Toronto FC to qualify for the first time in their history. Krisztián Németh defeated this goal later in the year when it was later nominated for the MLS Goal of the Year Award. Several analysts applauded his results, some of whom said that this was the best goal of the season and the highest in Toronto FC's club history. Giovinco was not only one of the top players of the current MLS season, but also one of the top players in MLS history, according to the pundits, who also named him as one of the top players of the current season. Giovinco had just returned from international service the day before, having appeared for Italy the day before in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Rome. Giovinco assisted Altidore in a 2–1 away loss to Montreal in the final match of the season's regular season on October 25th, with 22 goals and 16 assists; as a result, he became the first MLS player to win both the top scorer and the top assist provider of the league in his first year with the club, as well as the first Italian and Toronto FC player to win these awards. Toronto FC was eliminated in the knock-out round of the playoffs following a 3–0 away loss to Montreal Impact, the Montreal Impact, on October 29. Giovinco was named one of the three finalists for both the 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award and the 2015 MLS MVP Award, winning both awards on November 23 and December respectively, three days before the latter was announced to the MLS Best XI on November 29th. Giovinco was named "Transaction of the Year" by MLS on December 30th.

Giovinco kicked off his second season with an 82nd-minute victory over the Supporters' Shields' New York Red Bulls 2–0 home victory over the Supporters' Shield holders, the New York Red Bulls, on March 6th; he later set up Marky Delgado's goal in added time. In a 1–0 home win over D.C. United on April 16, he scored the second fastest goal in Toronto FC history, beating Reggie Lambe's record holder by one minute and 50 seconds set in 2012. In a 2–0 victory over the Montreal Impact in the 401 Derby, he scored both goals; with these goals, he equalled De Rosario as the club's all-time top scorer in the MLS with 28 goals in 40 appearances. Giovinco was named to the Team of the Week for his efforts. In a 1–0 win over FC Dallas, Toronto's home opener, Tsubasa Endoh scored his first MLS goal, as well as rookie Tsuba Endoh for his first ever MLS goal on May 7th. Giovinco defeated De Rosario as the club's outright all-time top scorer in the MLS on May 14, scoring two goals and setting up another in a 4-3 home loss to Canadian rivals Vancouver. Giovinco scored the only goal in the first leg on June 29th, helping Toronto FC beat Vancouver 2–2 on aggregate, winning on away goals. He received the 2016 Best MLS Player ESPY Award on July 14th. Giovinco was included in the 2016 MLS All-Star Game roster in July 2016.

Giovinco scored a hat-trick against Washington, D.C. United on July 23, beating De Rosario's previous all-time record as Toronto FC's top scorer by two goals to 35 goals, breaking De Rosario's previous all-time record as Toronto FC's top scorer by two goals to 35 goals. During the game, he scored twice from free kicks, including his seventh in the MLS, beating David Beckham's record for the most goals from set-pieces in the league since 2010. For the first time this season, he was named to the Team of the Week for his performances once more, and he was also named MLS Player of the Week. Giovinco was kicked off the field after a later diagnosis of strains in his quadriceps and adductor in the eventual 1–0 loss in the 401 Derby at home; although he was supposed to miss seven weeks, he was forced to miss seven weeks of action. He returned to action against Montreal once more on October 16th, helping to set up Toronto FC's equalizer in a 2–2 away draw. Giovinco scored the first goal of his and Toronto FC's first MLS Playoff victory in the MLS Playoffs on October 26th, and he was later involved in his team's next two goals; this was Toronto FC's first ever playoff victory, which saw the team advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals for the first time. Giovinco won 5–0 away over New York City FC, 7–0 on aggregate, on the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals on Friday, but in a all Canadian derby against Montreal Impact, a hat-trick was scored in a 5–0 victory. Giovinco lost in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Final on November 22nd, beating Montreal 3–2 away. Toronto FC later defeated Montréal Impact 5–2 in extra time in the return leg at home on Friday, making Toronto FC the first Canadian team to play in an MLS Cup Final, although he was later confirmed fit against the Seattle Sounders in the 2016 MLS Cup Final. Despite being left off the finalists list for the MLS Best XI for the second season in a row, he was selected to the MLS Best XI on December 5th for the second season in a row.

Despite initially presenting an early goalscoring opportunity for Altidore, Giovinco's appearance was largely stifled by Seattle's strong and flexible defense; throughout the match, he was fouled a total of six times and had several shots blocked; during the match, he was fouled a total of six times and had multiple shots blocked. In the 48th minute, a scoring chance was spurred, but his shot was skewed wide of the near post. He was eventually substituted in the 103rd minute due to an apparent injury, but, ironically, during the club's primary penalty kick taker's not used in the resulting shoot-out, which Toronto FC lost 5–4 after extra-time, he was not used. Coach Greg Vanney said in the post-match press conference that Giovinco's replacement was "he couldn't move." He looked at me. I don't want to take him away because I want to. I take a look at him, and he gives me the indication that he can't go any more, and that if he can't go, he looks more like a risk to the organization than anything else. That's the call. It's not something that I normally like to make, but we had to."

Victor Vázquez, a Spanish playmaker, joined Giovinco and captain Michael Bradley in midfield to provide Toronto FC's goalscoring opportunities, which allowed the Italian to rely less on his attacking game. Coach Greg Vanney converted from a 4–4–2 diamond to a 3–5–2 formation, benefiting Giovinco and Altidore's playing together and encouraging them to play closer together, as the team's main creator, and earning them a greater appreciation and increased in Altidore's goalscoring output throughout the season. Giovinco scored his first goal of the season on April 8, 2017, beating expansion team Atlanta United in a 2–2 home draw. Giovinco won the George Gross Memorial Trophy for the second leg of the tournament on June 27th, beating Montreal 3–2 on aggregate. Giovinco scored two goals and set up another in a 4–0 home victory over New York City FC on July 30; his second goal of the game, which came from a free kick, was his second goal of the match and his second MLS goal in 10 years, as well as his first MLS goal from a free kick. Although Giovinco was out on injury, Toronto FC remained the Supporters' Shield for the most points in the league this season, after a 4–2 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday. Giovinco scored from a free kick in his 100th game for the club in a 2–2 away draw to Atlanta on October 22nd; in doing so, the club tied the MLS regular season record of 68 points, which was set by LA Galaxy in 1998 by a single point. The goal was also Giovinco's sixth free kick goal of the season, establishing a record for the most free kicks scored in an MLS regular season. Giovinco scored the match-winning goal from a free kick in a 2–1 away victory over the New York Red Bulls on October 30 in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs. After being omitted from the list of finalists for the 2017 MLS MVP award the previous season, Giovinco was later included among the finalists. Giovinco received a ticket for protest in the 80th minute, prompting his suspension for the Conference Finals; Toronto FC lost the match 1–0 at home on away goals, but also advanced to the second round on away goals. Giovinco defeated Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Finals on November 29th, bringing together Toronto's only goal of the game, scoring by Altidore, which saw Toronto win the Eastern Conference for the second year in a row, as well as a spot in the 2017 MLS Cup Final. Giovinco was named to the MLS Best XI for the third year in a row on October 30. Toronto beat Seattle 2–0 in the 2017 MLS Cup, becoming the first MLS team to win a domestic treble in the first MLS Cup, as well as the first Canadian team to win the MLS Cup; Giovinco was involved in both goals but not allowed goalscorer Altidore for the opener.

Giovinco opened the season on February 20, 2018, his first appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League, the first leg of a round of 16 match-up away from the Colorado Rapids, where he set up Jonathan Osorio's opening goal before winning by two-0. Giovinco beat Toronto FC 2–1 home in the CONCACAF Champions League's first leg on March 7th, defeating Mexican side Tigres UANL. Jonathan Osorio was up in the last minute of regulation time. Giovinco was involved in both of his team's goals in an eventual 3–2 loss, as well as scoring another goal from a free kick; the result enabled Toronto FC to advance to the semi-finals of the competition for the second time in their history. Giovinco scored from the penalty spot in a 3–1 home victory over Club América in the first leg of the semi-finals on April 3rd, later setting up Toronto FC's goal in the 1–1 away draw at the Estadio Azteca in the second leg to progress 4–2 on aggregate to the finals. Giovinco scored the aggregate-equalizing goal in the return leg of the Champions League final 4–out after losing 2–1 home to Guadalajara on April 17th in the first leg of the finals. Giovinco was named the tournament's best player after being directly involved in 11 of the 13 goals scored by Toronto FC, and he had four goals and three assists in eight appearances, making him the joint top scorer of the tournament alongside teammate and Golden Boot winner Jonathan Osorio. After being issued a red card in a league loss away from the New England Revolution on May 16, Giovinco was fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS Discipplinary Committee for failing to leave the field in a timely and orderly manner. Giovinco won the 2018 Canadian Championship 7–4 on aggregate after scoring a goal and two more in a 5–2 home win over Vancouver Whitecaps on August 15-28. After a 2–1 home loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on October 6, 2018, the reigning MLS Cup champions were unable to qualify for the playoffs, with three games remaining to play in the season. Giovinco won by a single point over Atlanta in the final match of the regular season on October 28th.

Giovinco said goodbye on Instagram on January 30, 2019 after talks with Toronto fell through during the offseason.

Giovinco was sold by Toronto FC to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for an undisclosed fee on January 30, 2019. Giovinco scored on his debut with the club on February 12, 2019, defeating Al-Qadsiah in their third game. He scored his first AFC Champions League goal, the only goal in a 1–0 home win over Esteghlal on April 23. He is one of very few players to have played in three different club continental tournaments in his career (UEFA Champions League, CONCACAF Champions League, and AFC Champions League).

He scored in a 3–1 home win over Al-Ittihad, which allowed Al Hilal to advance to the AFC Champions League semi-finals on September 17th. He assisted Ali Al-Bulaihi's goal in a 4–1 away victory over Al Sadd on the first leg of the tournament's first leg on October 1st. He set up Bafétimbi Gomis' goal in a 4–2 home loss, allowing Al Hilal to advance to the final of the competition 6–5 on aggregate in the second leg. Giovinco scored Salem Al-Dawsari's first goal in an eventual 2–0 away victory over Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday in the second leg of the 2019 AFC Champions League Final, which saw Al Hilal win the trophy with a 3–0 aggregate victory; the team also qualified for the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Giovinco kicked Al Hilal's second spot kick in the resulting shoot-out on December 21st, but the former side eventually won the match 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in regulation time.

Giovinco joined the training camp for former Toronto FC in January 2022. Giovinco, however, signed Sampdoria, a short-term deal until June, as a replacement for the injured Manolo Gabbiadini.

International career

Giovinco has represented Italy at every youth level from the under-16 level to the senior level. He was called up to Italy under 21 by head coach Pierluigi Casiraghi and helped the Americans beat Albania 4–0 in the 2009 European Championship opening qualifier.

He also played in the Toulon Tournament in 2008, where he was voted the most valuable player of the tournament, scoring two goals against the Ivory Coast and netting the winning penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Japan. Italy eventually lifted the tournament, defeating Chile 1–0 in the final. Claudio Marchisio and Paolo De Ceglie were among the team selected in Beijing, China, for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He scored the first goal in a 3–0 victory over Honduras on August 7, 2008, where he struck the ball from outside of the box with his weaker left foot; Italy was disqualified in the quarter-finals of the tournament after losing 3–2 to Belgium on August 16th.

After being involved in their successful qualifying campaign, Giovinco was called up to the U-21 team for the European Championships in Sweden in the summer of 2009. Giovinco started in every single match at the tournament, but Italy lost 1–0 to eventual winners Germany in a close semi-final. He was named to the Team of the Tournament following his success throughout the European Championship, and he was also included in the top ten players of the tournament.

Giovinco was called up for International service at Parma for the first time in almost two years while on loan at Parma, earning his first senior call-up for Italy; he played for Italy in a friendly match against Germany in Dortmund on February 9, 2011; he continued as a second-half replacement for Stefano Mauri. In his second international appearance against Ukraine, he provided an assist to Alessandro Matri's goal as Italy defeated Ukraine 2–0 in Kiev. Following several promising substitute appearances, manager Cesare Prandelli said he would give Giovinco his complete international debut as a starter alongside Antonio Cassano, who led to a 3–0 home win over Northern Ireland in a European qualifier later this year.

Giovinco was selected to be part of Italy's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2012. Giovinco appeared in two group matches of the tournament against Spain and Croatia, nearly assisting with a goal against Spain in the first round after losing as a result against Spain in the first round. Antonio Di Natale, the previous goalcorer, had lobbed the bar. In a 4–0 loss, Italy emerged runners up to Spain in the final.

Giovinco started in the first game of Italy's 2014 World Cup Qualification season against Bulgaria in Sofia, wearing the number 10 jersey; the match ended in a 2–2 draw. He scored his first goal for Italy in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup group stage match against Japan; he wore the number 10 shirt; in addition to scoring the game's victory, the country advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time in history. Giovinco was on the second half of extra time in the semi-finals; the match came to 0–0 and went to penalties after Giovinco netted his penalty for Italy, but Spain defeated 7–6 due to Leonardo Bonucci's absence. After the match had ended 2–2 after extra time, Italy won the bronze medal match against Uruguay, also on penalties. Giovinco was not selected in the provisional or final squad due to a lack of playing time during the 2013–2014 season.

Giovinco was called up by both the current Italy boss and Antonio Conte for a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Palermo, which Italy beat Italy 2–1. Giovinco scored during the second half and helped set up Giorgio Chiellini's second, match-winning goal, as well as a foul ball struck the cross-bar at the end of the match after a personal dribbling run.

Giovinco was called up to the national team again in August 2015 for Italy's Euro 2016 qualifier against Malta and Bulgaria, and he was expected to become Italy's first MLS player to represent Italy following his strong showings for MLS side Toronto FC. He was eventually ruled out of both matches after suffering an adductor injury against Montreal Impact, and Andrea Pirlo of New York City FC became the first MLS player to play for Italy during the same qualifiers. In October 2015, he was admitted to the Italian national team for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Norway, October 10-13. He appeared in Italy's 3–1 away victory over Azerbaijan, which promised the Italians a spot in Euro 2016; he came on in the 79th minute and later hit the crossbar from a free kick after being fouled by Badavi Guseynov, who was later dismissed. He came off the bench once more and was instrumental in both goals as Italy came from behind to beat Norway 2–1 in Rome and top their class.

Giovinco and fellow MLS compatriot Pirlo were left off Conte's 30-player shortlist for Italy's Euro 2016 squad on May 23rd. Conte expressed his displeasure with their omission in a press conference, "You make a decision and continue to play in specific leagues with the understanding that they may have to pay the consequences from a footballer's viewpoint." "I was angry" in reaction to his deposition, Giovinco said. I must keep improving so I can return to the national team; as I've already said, the league is continuing to expand and it's a beautiful sport.

Giovinco was once more suspended from Italy's squad, both for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and for friends, despite his club form for Toronto FC in the MLS; when asked about Giovinco and Domenico Criscito, Ventura's resignations, Ventura said: "Giovinco is a different story." I have tried everything to assist him, but the fact is that he plays in a league [the MLS] where no one is able to count, and the number of goals he has scored is less important because of the quality he has got, he's going to make a difference in the league. If you play in that league and you get used to playing in the same league, it becomes a mental problem. Criscito, on the other hand, is a superb player, and I've seen him develop. He has to fight to rekindle his passion, and he needs it because he is only a little behind. Giovinco has the same issue. How long does it take for him to show the fire? For the first time in 60 years, Italy lost out on the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, with Giovinco's account claiming that the team should have selected him.

Giovinco was called up by new boss Roberto Mancini on October 10 against Ukraine and a UEFA Nations League match against Poland on October 14th, but he was an ineffective substitute for both matches.

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