Rome - Juventus striker Amauri edged closer to being able to play for the Azzurri after his wife Tuesday became an Italian citizen, giving her husband the possibility to apply for an Italian passport.

Gazzetta. it reported that the Brazilian footballer's wife, Cynthia Cosini Valaderes, swore on the Italian constitution in a ceremony in Palermo, the Sicily town where Amauri played since 2006 before transferring to Juve last summer.

She obtained the citizenship due to her Italian ancestors.

Amauri, 28, has expressed an interest in playing for the world champions coached by Marcello Lippi.

His intention to play with the Azzurri, however, became less clear in late January, when Brazil coach Dunga called him up for a friendly against Italy.

Juventus did not allow Amauri to play the game due to a delayed request from the Brazilian federation. The player then told Brazilian media that he dreamt of playing for the Selecao, although he respected his club's decision.

It will take several months before Amauri obtains an Italian passport and it is unclear whether he will get it before the start of the Confederations Cup in South Africa in June. (dpa)