UPDATE – Juventus have reportedly denied Amauri the opportunity to face Italy after Brazil submitted their request too late for the upcoming Friendly in London, with other reports claiming that Juve have denied the initial request ever took place.

“With regards to the statements assigned to me in the press from Brazil and Italy, I want to clarify that I meant it was impossible that I play for the Italian national team in the upcoming Italy – Brazil friendly,” the former Palermo player explained, according to Datasport.

“Any other references to the national team of Brazil or Italy is absolutely without credibility. My only thought at this moment is to give my best is to train and give my best for Juventus. I consider this episode closed and will not be coming back to this topic.”

While he wasn’t included in the initial squad due to Dunga’s reluctance into forcing him to make his Brazil debut against the country in which he plies his trade, Juventus’ Amauri has finally gotten the call after Luis Fabiano withdrew due to injury ahead of their February 10th Friendly against Italy in London.

Via Goal

Since joining the Bianconeri during the summer, Amauri has gone from strength to strength, earning him a title as one of the best strikers in Serie A. He has impressed immensely, and an international call up would normally have been on the cards for such a talent.

This had not been the case for Amauri, as he had not been called up for his national team, Brazil, and was expected to play for the Azzurri once his Italian passport arrived. Dunga has beaten the passport and has named the striker in the list to play against Italy in London on February 10 in a friendly international.

Originally, the big skillful attacker was not in the list of called up Brazilians, with coach Dunga claiming that it would put too much pressure on Amauri, but the injury to Luis Fabiano seems to have changed his mind.

This will be disappointing news for many Italian fans who were hoping to see the striker up front for the Azzurri, and not in the Selecao squad.

Image via Yimg