Italy's manager calls up Giovinco, Pirlo; says Balotelli must earn spot

Italian manager Antonio Conte has called up New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo and Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco as the Azzurri prepare to take on Malta and Bulgaria for European Championship qualifiers next week.

While Conte has yet to name his full squad - the team will be revealed on Saturday - the Italian manager did give the nod to two talents playing in Major League Soccer.

"Giovinco is doing very well in Canada," Conte told reporters Friday. "He's returning to be the player we knew and he can be an important part of this team. And Pirlo will be in there, too. I think he's still a key player for us, and as long as he holds up and makes a difference on the pitch he'll be with us."

Pirlo, 36, joined NYCFC in the summer. Giovinco has been an absolute force in MLS - the 28-year-old has scored 17 goals and recorded 10 assists in 24 league matches.

After a few months of careful observation, Giovinco's performances have caught Conte's eye at last. Giovinco himself says he's feeling confident and in top form, too.

"I'm playing better than I was in Europe," the "Atomic Ant" said Wednesday. "At the moment, I'm very happy with my performance. The last couple of years, I haven't been in very good shape. And now, I'm very happy to keep scoring, helping the team to achieve their goals. But I'm feeling better as well."

Conte said AC Milan returnee Mario Balotelli will need to continue working, and his move away from Liverpool doesn't guarantee him a spot on the Italian roster. Balotelli has been left at home since last year, and Conte says it's up to Balotelli to prove himself once more.

"The doors to the national team are not closed for anyone," Conte explained. "But you have to deserve to be part of this team, via performances, behaviour and moral aspects which we believe a lot in.

"It's up to Balotelli to deserve an eventual return."