“There is absolutely no chance that I will play for Italy against Brazil in London,” he told Esporte Interativo in his homeland.

Marcello Lippi had hoped to give Amauri his debut in that February 10 friendly, but instead it seems to be the game that prompted a final decision.

The Juventus striker is in the process of gaining Italian citizenship and could play for the Azzurri when his new passport comes through.

He did receive a call from Brazil boss Carlos Dunga last week, but it was past the FIFA deadline and Juve refused to release him.

“I will continue to dedicate myself to my club and try to find space in the Selecao,” continued Amauri.

“I hope to be called by Dunga again in the upcoming games.”

He had until now been reticent to say one way or another which team he preferred to represent at international level.

The signal from Dunga – even if it was late because he was a replacement for the injured Luis Fabiano – appears to have made up his mind.