It’s no coincidence that Palermo’s 2006-07 campaign went downhill after Amauri suffered a season-ending knee injury in the final game before the winter break. The Rosanero had picked up 35 points in the opening 18 games of the term, with the summer signing from Chievo playing a part in all of them and netting eight goals. The remaining 20 matches saw them add just 23 points to that tally, putting to bed any hopes of a place in the Champions League, let alone a serious challenge for the Scudetto.
As so often happens, a player’s value is not always fully appreciated until the team has to do without him. Amauri’s stock probably rose more while he was on the treatment table than it did when he was playing. But now the Brazilian is back and ready to take on all comers as he slowly but surely rediscovers his best form in front of goal. He may have only found the back of the net twice in Serie A so far, yet his contribution to the Sicilian outfit’s cause has been impressive and he has linked up expertly with Fabrizio Miccoli.
They seem to be the perfect pairing, given that Amauri is a target man who can also play a bit with the ball at his feet, while the former Juventus ace is one of the few classic No 10s left in the Division. “We understand each other well and we showed this to the fans in the game against Livorno,” insisted Amauri. “As for my own form, I’m getting closer to full fitness with every game I play. When I netted against the Amaranto, I saw the last nine months flash before my eyes.”
This time last year, one of the major stories doing the rounds in the peninsula was that the Brazilian-born ace could be called up by Roberto Donadoni to the Azzurri squad, once he obtained the Italian passport that he is entitled to after living and playing in the country for over five years. Obviously the injury stalled progress, but only temporarily. “I’m still hoping to get an Italian passport, but for now let’s not talk about the national side – my only priority is to reach top form,” he stated.
Brazil boss Dunga – who once played for Fiorentina – has shown little interest in handing Amauri an international cap, so it would seem that La Nazionale is his only hope of performing on the international stage. Many of the purists are against this, just like they were when Argentine Mauro Camoranesi turned out for Italy, but it might not be too long before we see the Palermo No 11 wearing the Azzurri jersey. “I like Amauri and will be keeping tabs on him – former boss Francesco Guidolin told me he was crucial for the Rosanero last season,” stated Donadoni.
The former Milan ace may want to reconsider that though, given that there’s every chance that Amauri won’t even be in Italy in 12 months time. Yes, President Maurizio Zamparini often spouts rubbish, but after watching the player in full flow last year it’s hard to disagree with his thoughts on what the future could hold. “If he shows his potential at the top level, it will be very difficult to keep hold of Amauri,” he said. “I don’t think that he will stay in Italy. He could easily go abroad to a club like Barcelona or an English side.”
In the meantime, the Rosanero faithful will just be hoping that their star man is back scoring many more goals like his stunning last-gasp header against Reggina in Week 7. If he does that then there’s every chance they could upset the big boys and snatch a place in next season’s Champions League. They might have to do without Amauri when they take on Europe’s elite, but they won’t mind that too much if they’re entertaining the likes of Real Madrid or Liverpool at the Barbera.
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