Brazil to win Amauri race?

Brazil to win Amauri race?
Thursday 16 October, 2008

There are reports that Brazil boss Carlos Dunga will secure Amauri's allegiance by calling the Juventus striker up before Marcello Lippi gets a chance to.

Brazilian-born hitman Amauri is yet to make an appearance for his nation and is on the brink of receiving an Italian passport.

“I will choose whichever nation calls me up first,” Amauri explained.

“I couldn't say no to either federation because Brazil is my country and is a player's dream, while Italy is where I grew as a player and as a man.”

Amauri had previously indicated that he believed Italy would win the tug-of-war for his services.

“Dunga has never spoken to me and if I were to get an Italian passport and Lippi called me I would immediately say yes,” he stated after his first goal of the season against Udinese.

But as is often the case with Italian bureaucracy, Amauri's passport application has met with a delay, which may prove decisive.

“It just needs a little more time, but whether that is weeks or months depends entirely on the authorities,” Amauri said.

And the Juve star's recent form has also caught they eye of Selecao Coach Dunga and may select him for November 19's friendly against Portugal - ending his chance of playing for the Azzurri.

*chn4