I Will Be Italian Soon – Juventus Striker Amauri

After a solid first season at Juventus, in which he scored a respectable 12 Serie A goals, Amauri is preparing for his second campaign with the club, in which he will get back the number 11 shirt he used to wear after Pavel Nedved's departure.  

The striker spoke to Sky and once again stated he would not mind playing for Marcello Lippi's Italy.  

"Wearing the Juventus shirt again for the second season is exciting in itself," he said. "I hope to have a great year. Now I also have the number 11 shirt back, I'm very happy to have my number back, it's the number I became famous with."  

Asked if he feels a special responsibility wearing Nedved's shirt number, Amauri said, "Yes, Nedved is a great player, a great man, we are very disappointed to lose a player like that, also because he could easily have played two or three more years.  

"However, I am proud to wear the number 11, his number, and like he said, it will certainly bring me luck."  

On the arrivals of Diego and Felipe Melo, whose transfer from Fiorentina should be finalised shortly, he commented, "We have certainly reinforced ourselves well. We have bought Diego, a player who had a great season last year, we all hope he repeats that, or does even better, he will certainly increase our quality. 

"As for the transfer rumours on Felipe Melo, if Juve take him, they would have another great champion."  

Coming back on the Brazil-Italy dilemma, Amauri said, "If everything goes well, and it looks like it will, by September I will be Italian and then something important will happen...The Italian national team? Who knows, it could happen."  

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com