Giovinco is likely to leave Parma... But where will he go?

Sebastian Giovinco had yet another impressive campaign in the Italian topflight with Parma, scoring 16 goals and assisting 11 others in the Gialloblu’s memorable campaign. The club finished in eighth position, level on points with giants AS Roma, with just goal difference separating the two clubs.
‘Formica Atomica’ was obviously the club’s player of the season, and for that reason has been reportedly linked to a number of top clubs in Europe. With the EURO 2012 finals just around the corner, a consistent tournament with Italy could see the 25-year-old earn himself a move to either England or Spain.
Below are Giovinco’s possible destinations for the 2012-13 season:
Juventus are obviously the likely outcome for the attacker, as he has been owned or co-owned by the newly crowned Italian champions since 2006, and has been involved in the club’s youth ranks since 1996.
The Bianconeri are set to clean out their squad list in the coming months, with the likes of Milos Krasic, Eljero Elia and co set to depart this summer. Therefore the need for a player of Giovinco’s quality on the wings, in addition to the pace and energy he will provide, makes it the ideal time to permanently sign a player who has finally hit top form.

A lot will depend on his performances at EURO 2012, but in this writer’s opinion, a consistent campaign will be enough to force a move through to Juve.
Inter are another major Italian club to recently have been linked with a move for the attacker. The Nerazzurri could definitely do with the services of a youthful 25-year-old, mainly due to the fact that the average age of their current squad continues to exceed 30.
It is likely that the Nerazzurri will offload some of their veterans this summer, opening the door to a potential swoop for Giovinco, which additionally will allow for more pull from a financial perspective for both player and club.

A lack of Champions League football may work against Massimo Moratti and the Milan based club however, as their rivals have the edge on this front.
Despite missing out on the UEFA Champions League and Spanish La Liga this season, Barcelona still remain amongst the world’s very best clubs, and for that reason would be an ideal destination for any footballer.
The diminutive Parma attacker may be enticed by the prospect of joining some of the very best in the game in Spain, however it is a move that is likely to have minimal benefit for the player, if it were to go through. Giovinco would find himself behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Pedro, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and Bojan, should he return from Roma.

Irrespective of the presence of Barca scouts at the Gialloblu’s recent fixtures, a move to La Liga would be a crazy move for a man who was previously complaining about a lack of first team football in Turin.
A move to Manchester City is the most interesting option on the table for the Atomic Ant. While the recently crowned English champions are generally linked to every big name in Europe, a swoop for Parma’s Giovinco could actually be a beneficial move for them going forward.

As the club aim to go back-to-back in the 2012-13 season, the addition of an energetic livewire that is Giovinco, may add a new string to their bow, particularly as they embark on what hopefully will be a more successful campaign in the UEFA Champions League this time around.
Having played with and against some of Italy’s best, the 25-year-old will have plenty to offer in Manchester. And should manager Roberto Mancini and international team-mate Mario Balotelli both remain at the club, an attractive offer from City may be enough to get the player over the line.
The player obviously had a memorable season with the club, and therefore would be more than happy to remain at the Ennio Tardini next term. Additionally, the Gialloblu would be desperate to keep hold of their star man, however realistically with EURO 2012 on the horizon, there is minimal, if any chance whatsoever of this being the case.

Parma have been known to foster the careers of some brilliant talent in the past, including the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro and Hernan Crespo, but it is time for them to look for the next bright star of the future, because this player’s time is well and truly up.
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are the other two clubs reportedly linked with a move for the attacker, so it promises to be an interesting summer for the Italy international. Expect him to remain at home next season however, but unfortunately for all Parma fans, this will not mean a permanent stay at the Ennio Tardini.