Italy coach Giampiero Ventura has explained why he didn't pick Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches, saying that "he plays in a league that doesn't count for much," per ESPNFC.
Giovinco has been the league's best player since he entered in 2015, winning one MLS MVP and getting snubbed by not being named a finalist this year. He scored three goals over the weekend as his club destroyed NYCFC 5-0 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Ventura went with nine players up top including three who have never been capped, with Ciro Immobile and Eder leading the way. He just doesn't think Giovinco is tested enough, despite him having more Italy caps than any attacker on the current roster.
"Giovinco is a different story. I have done everything to help him but the reality is that he plays in a league that doesn't count for much," Ventura said. "And the number of goals he scores is less important because with the quality he has got, he is bound to make a difference in that league.
"The problem is that if you play in that type of league, and you get used to playing in that type of league, it becomes a problem of mentality."
That seems a bit harsh. I mean, sure, there is no doubt that European soccer is at a much higher level than the U.S., but he has been so good so why not take a chance at bringing him off the bench?
Instead, the coach bashes MLS. Not a smart move.
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