Camoranesi opts for the Azzurri

Juventus FC winger Mauro Camoranesi is ready to turn his back on his native Argentina by accepting a call-up to play for the Italian national side.

Bielsa snub
Following Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa's failure to name the 26-year-old in his squad to face the Netherlands in a forthcoming friendly Camoranesi, who holds an Italian passport, was approached by Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni on Sunday and asked to make his international intentions clear.

'Glad' to play
Camoranesi told an Italian television station he would be "glad" to receive a call-up from Trapattoni and that, despite not considering himself to be Italian, he would not regard playing for the Azzurri as an act of betrayal towards his homeland.

Italy chosen
Speaking to reporters after the Turin club drew 1-1 with Atalanta BC, Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi said: "This morning I was authorised by Camoranesi to say that he has chosen the Italian national team".

Genoa debut
Trapattoni, who said: "If it was down to me I would call him up without any doubt," now looks certain to pick Camoranesi for Italy's friendly against Portugal in Genoa on 12 February. If selected, the right-sided former Hellas-Verona FC player, whose grandparents were Italian, will become the 36th player of dual-nationality to represent the Azzurri - and the 17th Argentinian. There have also been nine Uruguayans and five Brazilians who have played for Italy, a Scottish-born striker, Giovanni Moscardini, who played in the 1920s and a South African, Eddie Firmani, who made three appearances in the 1950s.

Poor start
Italy have made a poor start to their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign, currently wallowing in third position behind Yugoslavia and Group 9 leaders Wales.