Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has defended their decision to block a late call from Brazil for striker Amauri.

"The club's decision is that the request is past the deadline, so if it does come in, then we will not release the player," said Cobolli Gigli.

"We need to concentrate, now more than ever, on the upcoming Juventus appointments and so we want Amauri to stay with us during this period.

"He will be available for the Coppa Italia and then (coach Claudio) Ranieri will decide whether to field him.

"[General manager Jean-Claude] Blanc spoke with Amauri and explained our position. The player understood and accepted without asking for us to change our minds.

"I wish to point out that the player had nothing to do with making the decision, it was entirely down to Juventus."