Sebastian Giovinco continues to dominate the MLS playoffs – his hat-trick on Sunday helped Toronto FC to a handsome win over New York City FC – but his day job remains a clear obstacle to his recall to the Italian national team.

Giovinco was left out of Giampiero Ventura’s Italy squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the coach was clear about his reasons. “I have done everything to help him but the reality is that he plays in a league that doesn’t matter 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.”

Antonio Conte: Italians who move to MLS must 'pay the consequences' Read more

Ventura’s philosophy is a continuation of that of his predecessor, Antonio Conte. The now Chelsea manager said he would not consider picking Giovinco or Andrea Pirlo for Euro 2016 because they played in MLS. “We evaluated [Pirlo] and Giovinco,” Conte said in May. “It’s normal that if you choose to go and play there then you can pay the consequences in footballing terms.

“We evaluated them technically, we didn’t leave anything to chance. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong, we went everywhere to have clear and precise ideas. I picked the 30 who I think will give me the most guarantees.”

Ventura has shown a preference for Italian-based players in his squad, picking only four men who play abroad for the upcoming matches against Liechtenstein and Germany. Ventura said that he chose to leave out Domenico Criscito of Zenit St Petersburg for similar reasons to Giovinco. “Criscito, on the other hand, is a great player, I’ve seen him grow. The problem is that he has to fight to rediscover his spark and he needs that because he is just a little behind,” Ventura said. “The problem with Giovinco is the same. How long would it take to get him to show that spark?”

Giovinco has made only two appearances for Italy since his arrival in MLS at the start of 2015, and none in 2016. For his part, the Toronto FC star said he is not concerned with Ventura’s plans. “This is not a decision that can be asked to me,” he said. “My job is scoring goals and providing assists, and that’s what I want to keep doing for the team. Everything will be put now into winning the MLS Cup, which is way more important.”