Lots of Brazilian players have turned up for their adopted countries in the recent past. Another big name to follow suit is Juventus striker Amauri.

Amauri has been a prolific goalscorer in the Serie A for a couple of years now - first with Chievo, then Palermo and now with Juventus but the 27 year old has not been rewarded with a single Brazilian cap.

Italy head coach Marcello Lippi said : “I confide in the fact that Amauri will join us. The formalities and procedures concerning his naturalization will be successfully finalized by the beginning of 2009″.

Amauri is expected to debut for Italy in February’s friendly match against Brazil in London. He joins the likes of Alex (Japan) , Deco and Mehmet Aurelio - all Brazilians who have turned up for other countries in international games.