WCQ 2010 - Europe

Lippi: I’m Waiting For Amauri

Italy national team boss Marcello Lippi has given a very strong indication that he will call-up Brazilian-born striker Amauri as soon as the forward receives his Italian passport.

Sep 11, 2008 5:47:48 PM

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Amauri, Juventus (Foto Grazia Neri)

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The 28-year-old Amauri is widely regarded as one of Serie A's top strikers, and this summer he was involved in a high-profile transfer from Palermo to Juventus.

The ex-Chievo frontman is due to receive an Italian passport very shortly, and as he has never represented Brazil, he will be eligible to play for the Azzurri.

Critics are spilt over whether Amauri deserves to wear the Italy shirt, and Lippi himself expressed his concerns several weeks ago when he stressed that he would only choose the player if Italy were his first choice.

Amauri has since come out in the press and said that he would prefer to play for his homenation of Brazil, making it clear that Italy were a secondary option.

However, despite these comments, Lippi has today given the strongest indication yet that he will call-up Amauri as soon as he receives his Italian citizenship.

"I have spoken to Amauri,” Lippi told Sky Sports 24.

“He is a very strong player, and I am waiting for him to become Italian.”

Amauri’s chances of being chosen by Brazil coach Dunga are very slim, and so it is now looking very possible that he will soon be part of the Azzurri set-up.

Anthony Sormani