Sebastian Giovinco finally got the call he was waiting for.
The Toronto FC forward – who moonlights as a superhero – was selected to represent the Italian National Team for a pair of Euro 2016 qualifiers this week.
Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko put it best, calling Giovinco’s selection a “watershed moment” for Major League Soccer.
“For the world to see that Seba is playing in Major League Soccer, with a club like Toronto FC, will help us reach the next level; a global scale,” Bezbatchenko said. “For a national team like the Italian national team – multiple World Cup winners – to call him into a critical juncture, leading up to the Euros, is really a benchmark for the league.”
The Toronto FC forward – who moonlights as a superhero – was selected to represent the Italian National Team for a pair of Euro 2016 qualifiers this week.
Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko put it best, calling Giovinco’s selection a “watershed moment” for Major League Soccer.
“For the world to see that Seba is playing in Major League Soccer, with a club like Toronto FC, will help us reach the next level; a global scale,” Bezbatchenko said. “For a national team like the Italian national team – multiple World Cup winners – to call him into a critical juncture, leading up to the Euros, is really a benchmark for the league.”
Unfortunately, Giovinco was announced as a last-minute scratch on Monday - deemed unfit after suffering an abductor injury in Saturday’s win versus Montreal. Still, the call-up should lay the groundwork for a future presence with the Azzurri and open doors for Italians in MLS. On a positive note, New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo will represent MLS in Italy and should resume his post as the team’s go-to deep-lying midfielder and set piece specialist.
Beyond that, four quarterfinalists from the 2014 FIFA World Cup will have MLS representation this week. Belgium tapped Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman to bolster its backline, while Colombia will issue FC Dallas’ budding superstar Fabián Castillo the opportunity to earn his first career cap. Columbus Crew SC’s Waylon Francis, D.C. United’s Alvaro Saborio and Montreal’s Johan Venegas will represent Costa Rica. Orlando City SC captain Kaká returns to the Brazilian National Team for the first time since October 2014.
More than 40 MLS players will represent their respective senior national teams this week, with Canada and the U.S. leading the way with nine players named to their rosters and Columbus Crew SC garnering the most of MLS clubs with seven players called-up to senior national teams. This international window reflects some of the greatest representation Major League Soccer has ever enjoyed on the international stage. No matter which major region you turn to – UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF – the League will be spoken for.
Beyond that, four quarterfinalists from the 2014 FIFA World Cup will have MLS representation this week. Belgium tapped Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman to bolster its backline, while Colombia will issue FC Dallas’ budding superstar Fabián Castillo the opportunity to earn his first career cap. Columbus Crew SC’s Waylon Francis, D.C. United’s Alvaro Saborio and Montreal’s Johan Venegas will represent Costa Rica. Orlando City SC captain Kaká returns to the Brazilian National Team for the first time since October 2014.
More than 40 MLS players will represent their respective senior national teams this week, with Canada and the U.S. leading the way with nine players named to their rosters and Columbus Crew SC garnering the most of MLS clubs with seven players called-up to senior national teams. This international window reflects some of the greatest representation Major League Soccer has ever enjoyed on the international stage. No matter which major region you turn to – UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF – the League will be spoken for.
By: Editor
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