Juventus striker Amauri is delighted with his first call-up to the Italy squad.
Amauri chose Italy ahead of the nation of his birth, Brazil, for his international career.
"I chose the Italian team two years ago, because effectively my career as a football has been in this country," explained the 30-year-old Juventus striker.
"When I first arrived 10 years ago I was a complete unknown in Italy, so to wear the Azzurri jersey now is a personal victory and a dream come true."
Amauri is what they call one of the 'Oriundi' - foreign nationals, usually South Americans, who take on Italian citizenship.
"I came here with my heart. I was not given a leg-up by anyone and have nothing to be ashamed of.
"It's up to me to change the opinion that some people have. My objective is to represent the Azzurri for as long as possible, hopefully until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"If I were to score against Brazil then I'd have absolutely no problem in celebrating, just as I hope to celebrate on Tuesday night against the Ivory Coast."
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