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Juventus playmaker Sebastian Giovinco has shown why West Ham and Arsenal have both been tracking him during the European U21 Championships.

The 22-year-old only stands at 5'5" and weighs under 60kg, but his lack of stature didn't stop him playing 19 times in Serie A last season, as well as making several Champions League appearances.

He was the creative fulcrum in Italy's run to the semi-finals, and was their star performer in the 1-0 defeat to Germany at that stage.

What he lacks in height he makes up for in work rate and technical ability, taking most of Italy's set pieces, save for those from which Mario Balotelli chooses to shoot.

Deployed in a free role between the opposition defence and midfield, Giovinco is adept at finding space and linking his fellow midfielders with the lone striker fielded by manager Pierluigi Casiraghi.

He also has enough pace to burn down the flanks, and is canny enough to know how to draw fouls in areas where he can deliver lethal dead balls.

Key moments

7' - Bursts forward and fires a swerving shot from 25 yards that fools Manuel Neuer, the Germany goalkeeper recovering just enough to palm the shot over the bar.

15' - Tracks back to hinder Marko Marin's run down the wing.

32' - Curls an accurate corner to the far post for Marco Motta that the defender heads wide.

83' - Another inviting set-piece delivery that defender Marco Andreolli heads just wide of the far post.

Player ratings

Dribbling: 8/10

Passing: 9/10

Tracking back: 8/10

Finding space: 9/10

Shooting: 5/10

Approximate value: £12m

Destination: West Ham, Arsenal

OTHER NOTABLE PLAYERS IN ACTION

ITALY (v Germany)

Mario Balotelli

The Inter striker struggled against Germany's full-backs, Andreas Beck and Sebastian Boenisch often blocking his progress on the wings and forcing him into centre in search of the ball. Had several strikes from free-kicks, one drawing an over-dramatic save from the boot of Neuer.

Marco Motta

The Italy captain had two good chances from Giovinco set pieces, but headed them both wide after outjumping his marker. Kept Marko Marin quiet for much of the match.

GERMANY (v Italy)

Manuel Neuer

The Schalke goalkeeper was key to Germany reaching the final, making several saves as Italy dominated for much of their semi-final, although some of those were made to look more dramatic than they needed to.

Mesut Ozil

The playmaker was kept quiet for much of the match, and when he was given the chance to push forward had difficulty linking up with his team-mates, often anticipating runs from other attackers that weren't made.

Marko Marin

The highly-rated Moenchengladbach winger has had a disappointing tournament, and his performance against Italy - after only coming on as a substitute in Germany's final group match against England - was another largely anonymous display.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport