True. But even so he looks quite slight of frame compared to other short players who have done well. He just doesn't have the musculature to be playing as a forward. If he had more pace, maybe a winger... But I honestly think his best position would have been as a Treq/CAM, as it's one of the least physical positions in football, and suits a skilled and tricky but not incredibly fast player.
But Gio sees himself as a forward, and that will forever be his downfall in top flight football.
Insigne is another like this, and he's actually a cm shorter than Gio. These guys just aren't meant to be forwards, battling with big strong CBs. Deeper playing SS, or CAM/Treq are pretty much the only positions that suit them.