Dunga says he plans to call up Amauri to Brazil

Brazilian national-team coach Dunga has finally declared that he wants to call up Juventus striker Amauri for the Selecao, but only if he doesn't mind riding the bench.

Amauri is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in Serie A, and he has been in absolutely stunning form since joining Juve from Palermo this summer.

However, the 28-year-old still has not been capped by his homeland of Brazil, and with him due to receive an Italian passport, he will soon be eligible to represent the Azzurri instead.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi is a huge admirer of Amauri, and there has been uproar in Brazil over Dunga's continued refusal to call up the giant striker.

The 1994 World Cup winner now appears to have finally bowed down to the nation's wishes, and says he intends to select the player, providing he does not demand a first-team shirt.

"I'm ready to call up Amauri as long as he does not demand a [regular] starting place," Dunga told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "It would be better for him if he enters on tip-toes. Everyone wants Amauri in Brazil but if the lad gets his first match wrong, he'd be destroyed the day after. Not even Pele demanded a starting place in the Selecao. Amauri should ask Kaka and Ronaldinho, two Ballon d'Or winners, if they have ever demanded a starting place."

It remains to be seen how Amauri reacts to Dunga's slightly less-than-respectful tone, but everyone should find out soon enough. Ironically, Brazil's next game is a friendly against Italy in London in February, when Amauri could be lining up for one of the two teams.