Amauri close to call-up

Brazil or Italy for striker

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 13th October 2008

Amauri close to call-up

Amauri: International future

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Juventus star Amauri is edging closer to a place in the Italian national squad.

The Brazilian-born striker moved to Turin over the summer from Palermo and he has long stated his ambition to play for his adopted country.

Italy appear open to the possibility and he has now applied for an Italian passport.

Amauri has been playing in Italy since 2001 and is also married to an Italian and his agent has confirmed that his international debut is close.

However, Mariano Grimaldi refused to rule out the prospect of Amauri playing for Brazil - who thus far have ignored his goal-scoring exploits in Italy.

"I can say it is really close," Grimaldi told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"In a short period of time, in addition to wearing Juve's jersey, he will also wear that of a national team.

"Whatever the jersey, it will be a good thing for the player because we are talking about Italy or Brazil - two really great sides."