Sebastian Giovinco says he is delighted to get a recall to the Italy squad after his incredible form for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
Giovinco, 28, is currently the second highest scorer in MLS with 21 goals -- one fewer than Colombus Crew's Kei Kamara -- and this has not escaped Italy coach Antonio Conte's attention.
The former Juventus forward had been left out of Conte's last few squad selections, but has won himself a recall for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Norway, and could pick up his 22nd Italy cap on Saturday.
"I'm delighted to be back in the national team," Giovinco told Rai television. "It's a challenge that I have won; something I'd aimed for and hoped for really a lot, also because it wasn't something you could just take for granted."
Giovinco's exclusion from recent Italy squads had raised a few eyebrows in Canada, due to his form in Toronto. However, he insists his club "never put any pressure" on the Italian FA to give him a chance.
"They're all delighted I'm back with my national team," he said. "Not only football, but every sport over there is seen as a moment of celebration. The climate really is different over there."