Brazil national team coach Carlos Dunga has admitted that he may call Amauri up for the Seleção.
Amauri, who should gain Italian citizenship in the New Year, is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in Serie A and has been superb for Juventus this term.
However, the 28-year-old has still not been capped by his homeland of Brazil, and it was looking increasingly likely that the former Palermo hitman would represent the Azzurri in 2009.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi is a huge admirer of Amauri, and there has been uproar in Brazil over Dunga’s continued refusal to call-up the striker.
The 1994 World Cup winner now appears to have finally bowed down to the nation’s wishes, and says he is ready to include Amauri – but only on the condition that the player doesn’t ask for any guarantees.
Dunga told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm ready to call up Amauri as long as he does not demand a starting place.
"Júlio César - Inter Milan goalkeeper - called me to suggest that I pick the Juventus striker. You can trust Júlio, but… his agent needs to stop saying that he’ll only play for Brazil if he is guaranteed a place in the XI.
"A player’s representative can’t make such demands. People who know me are aware that such statements drive me mad.
"Not even Pelé expected a place in the side. Yes, Pelé.
"I pick the players and I decide who plays. Amauri should ask Kaká and Ronaldinho if they have ever demanded a starting place.
"It would be better for him if he enters on tip-toes. Everyone wants Amauri in Brazil but if the lad gets his first match wrong, he'd be destroyed the day after."
Italy and Brazil will meet in a friendly at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in February, when Amauri could be lining up for one of the two teams.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
Amauri, who should gain Italian citizenship in the New Year, is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in Serie A and has been superb for Juventus this term.
However, the 28-year-old has still not been capped by his homeland of Brazil, and it was looking increasingly likely that the former Palermo hitman would represent the Azzurri in 2009.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi is a huge admirer of Amauri, and there has been uproar in Brazil over Dunga’s continued refusal to call-up the striker.
The 1994 World Cup winner now appears to have finally bowed down to the nation’s wishes, and says he is ready to include Amauri – but only on the condition that the player doesn’t ask for any guarantees.
Dunga told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I'm ready to call up Amauri as long as he does not demand a starting place.
"Júlio César - Inter Milan goalkeeper - called me to suggest that I pick the Juventus striker. You can trust Júlio, but… his agent needs to stop saying that he’ll only play for Brazil if he is guaranteed a place in the XI.
"A player’s representative can’t make such demands. People who know me are aware that such statements drive me mad.
"Not even Pelé expected a place in the side. Yes, Pelé.
"I pick the players and I decide who plays. Amauri should ask Kaká and Ronaldinho if they have ever demanded a starting place.
"It would be better for him if he enters on tip-toes. Everyone wants Amauri in Brazil but if the lad gets his first match wrong, he'd be destroyed the day after."
Italy and Brazil will meet in a friendly at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in February, when Amauri could be lining up for one of the two teams.
Please subscribe to our RSS feed to receive more updates. You can also subscribe by Email and enjoy our latest posts sent directly to your inbox.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
