Lazio striker Mauro Zarate could be going to the 2010 World Cup - as an Italy player. He would be the latest of the 'Oriundi' - South Americans who play for the Azzurri - to switch sides after Mauro Camoranesi and soon-to-be Amauri.

Zarate carries an Italian passport and is available immediately for selection.

Corriere dello Sport says could be a late addition to the 2010 World Cup squad.

Despite his splendid form for Lazio, he has only ever played for Argentina at Under-20 level and so is not tied down to that nation by FIFA's rules.