Claudio Ranieri Taking Things Slow with Sebastian Giovinco

Claudio Ranieri is treating talented midfielder Sebastian Giovinco like a girl who he really likes and doesn't want to hurt.

The 21-year-old starlet has played only 18 official minutes since returning from Olympic duty in Beijing, causing the Juventus faithful to cause a ruckus.

However, despite all the clamouring, the Juve manager has stood strong with how he is bringing along Italy's hottest prospect.

“His time will come slowly but surely—we shouldn't wait for him like a Messiah,” Ranieri said. “We have to see him as a lad who needs to be slowly integrated and we have to take a responsible approach."

However, with Juve playing three games in the span of seven days last week, Giovinco was not even on the bench for the Old Lady's Champions League opener against Zenit and was left on the bench for both Serie A matches last week.

“I brought him back to be a back-up to Pavel Nedved, but that doesn't mean that he can't be used in attack."

However, it seems odd that Italy's next big thing couldn't have ben used ahead of the 36-year-old Nedved against lowly Cagliari this past Saturday.

And now because of Giovinco's lack of playing time, the Italian press has gone so far to report that the reason why he hasn't seen the field is because of his very publicized contract negotiations. Giovinco has reportedly been demanding a €1m-a-year salary, but Juve sporting director Alessio Secco is only said to be willing to hand him a €450,00 pay packet.

However, the rumors of why Giovinco hasn't played in Serie A this season has nothing to do with his contract, according to Ranieri.

“I have a lot of faith in him. He works hard and he has great quality but let's give him some time.”