Giovinco leaves Juventus, Matri on way back

(ANSA) - Turin, February 2 - Juventus announced Monday that forward Sebastian Giovinco has rescinded his contract with the Italian champions to sign a big-money deal with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.
    "Everyone associated with Juventus Football Club would like to thank Seba for all his efforts and wish him every success for his new adventure in Canada," the Turin giants, who are seven points clear at the top of Serie A, said on their website on Monday - the last day of the mid-season transfer window.
    A product of Juve's academy, the small, skilful 28-year-old scored 20 goals in 130 appearances for Juve. The striker, who has 20 Italy caps and also had loan stints at Empoli and Parma, had been unable to command a regular starting slot in the last two seasons.
    Alessandro Matri is set to rejoin Juve and take Giovinco's place in the squad.
    The 30-year-old, who is owned by AC Milan but currently on loan at Genoa, scored 27 Serie A goals with Juventus in his first spell with them from 2011 to 2013. Argentine-born Italy defender Gabriel Paletta, meanwhile, came to Milan to do a medical on Monday in view of a transfer from bottom side Parma. Second-placed AS Roma said Sunday that they have signed 24-year-old Colombia striker Victor Ibarbo on loan from Cagliari until the end of the season for 2.5 million euros with an option to make the move permanent for further 12.5 million.
    Roma have also signed Ivorian forward Seydou Doumbia from CSKA Moscow.
    Mattia Destro has left Roma to join Milan and the Rome club will be without another forward, Juan Manuel Iturbe, for about six weeks due to a knee injury.