The shot-stopper is currently Italy’s second choice and has impressed at Palermo, but is looking to the future.

“Everyone knows there is a team above all others that excites me and I simply could not say no to – that is Roma,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

“I am happy at Palermo right now, but you never can tell with the transfer market. If the call from Roma were to come, I would certainly consider it.

“Sooner or later – preferably sooner – I will wear the Roma jersey again. My love for the Giallorossi made me turn down a move to Lazio.

“Two years ago Livorno had a deal with Lazio, but I simply couldn’t go there. I explained it to [President Claudio] Lotito, who I spoke to many times. I just could not do it.”

Amelia turned 27 this month, but never really made it to the Roma senior squad despite starring in their youth team.

He was signed outright by Livorno in 2004 after spending the previous years on loan at Lecce and Parma, then joined Palermo this season.

“I consider myself one of the top goalkeepers, as I’ve had an important career and learned a great deal,” continued Amelia.

“I am not on a par with Gigi Buffon, who is beyond reach, but I can have my say. There are many interesting young goalkeepers like [Andrea] Consigli, [Federico] Marchetti and [Gianluca] Curci playing very consistently.”