Amauri: no decision yet

[Jager]

..which could mean he could play for Italy very soon.

[azzurri]

Does he have any Italian blood?

[D-Kin]

No.

This is based on the fact that he's lived in Italy for at least five years.

[azzurri]

I cant see the FIGC accepting him then. Plus hasn't he stated he wants to play for Brasil?

[D-Kin]

Not really, from what I remember I think he was willing to play for Italy.

It's tricky because right now we have a lot of competition for strikers.

[Jager]

Rapid speculation about him joining. I thought he had some Italian blood in him??

However, the more weopons you have, the better off you are. I'm not pushing this move, nor I'm in favour of it.

Don and the FIGC have a nice problem. Other than Luca Toni, we have to think about our team make up.

Amauri and Toni would make a nice duo, but so would Miccoli and Toni.

[D-Kin]

It seems increasingly likely that Amauri will give up his chance to represent Brazil in order to play for Italy given Roberto Donadoni’s reported admiration for the powerful front man.

“It gives me enormous pleasure that Donadoni holds me in high regard and would consider me for a place in the world champions’ squad,” he continued.

“For the moment there is no news on the passport situation and the whole business isn’t simple. All I can do is wait.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

The more weopons, the better it is for us. I don't think he should get a place by default, but if he works out...

[LAF]

I present the death of international football...

[Jager]

Originally Posted by LAF

I present the death of international football...

Very good point Laff.

[D-Kin]

Amauri applies to become Italian Wednesday 16 January, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amauri is “almost officially an Italian,” reveals his agent, but he is still trying to decide whether to play for the Azzurri or Brazil.

The Palermo hitman is eligible for an Italian passport as he is married to Cynthia, who although Brazilian herself has been living in the peninsula for 12 years and is therefore a citizen.

“We have already presented the documentation,” agent Mariano Grimaldi told ‘Radio Radio TV.’

“Now we are waiting for the bureaucratic process to take its course and hope it will happen quickly.”

Amauri has been in Italy since January 2001 when he joined Napoli and has also played for Piacenza, Messina and Chievo.

He revealed he was considering wearing the Azzurri jersey after Italy boss Roberto Donadoni admitted the striker was under observation.

Amauri would be the second ‘Oriundo’ in the Italy squad after Argentina-born Mauro German Camoranesi won the 2006 World Cup.

However, it might be a little early to start booking his spot in the Euro 2008 squad.

“He will be at the disposal of a national team, we now have to see which…” smiled Grimaldi.

“There is also contact with Brazil as well as Italy. Both Carlos Dunga and Donadoni have spoken highly of him. It is difficult to say no to one or another, the Selecao or the world champions. It’s something that has to be thought about.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

Both teams are deep, but I like options.

[D-Kin]

Although interestingly we probably have more depth than Brazil right now, at least in terms of experience.

[D-Kin]

Amauri was also inevitably asked about his international future given that Brazil continue to snub him and he could soon be available for Italian selection.

“I have been waiting for international recognition and I always will be,” he concluded.

Selecao boss Carlo Dunga, a former Fiorentina and Pescara midfielder, has opted against selecting Amauri so far.

Meanwhile, Azzurri tactician Roberto Donadoni has made it clear that he would consider Amauri if the attacker was successful in gaining Italian citizenship.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[LAF]

Funny though because Brazil lack top quality strikers, you would have thought Amuari would be worth a shot.