Lippi: Amauri call-up not certain

(GSM) – Italy coach Marcello Lippi has played down speculation that Amauri will be included in Italy’s World Cup squad.

The Brazilian-born striker has expressed his desire to represent the Azzurri after taking up Italian citizenship earlier in the week.

The Juventus striker can now join the World Cup holders in South Africa in the summer, but Lippi has given no guarantees to the forward, who has found the net five times in 27 appearances this season.

When asked about the 29-year-old, the Italian coach said: “This does not mean that he will be certainly called up.

“He will be followed like all the other players.

“I am taking this month to evaluate and take decisions that have to be made exclusively for the good of the national team.”