Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta has been given the green light by world soccer governing body FIFA on Monday to play for Italy.
It allows the Inter Milan player to make his debut for the Azzuri against Germany in Wednesday's friendly.
The 28-year-old, whose ancestors emigrated from Italy to Brazil, had been selected in the squad for the Germany friendly by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.
"The permission from FIFA for Thiago being able to play for the national side arrived this morning," said Prandelli. "I find it fantastic that players who aren't born in this country are demanding to put on the azzurri shirt."
Motta, who had represented junior Brazil teams, has been based in Italy for the past three years, first with Genoa and then with Inter.
He will join Argentinian-born Cristian Ledesma as the only none Italy-born members of the squad.
It allows the Inter Milan player to make his debut for the Azzuri against Germany in Wednesday's friendly.
The 28-year-old, whose ancestors emigrated from Italy to Brazil, had been selected in the squad for the Germany friendly by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.
"The permission from FIFA for Thiago being able to play for the national side arrived this morning," said Prandelli. "I find it fantastic that players who aren't born in this country are demanding to put on the azzurri shirt."
Motta, who had represented junior Brazil teams, has been based in Italy for the past three years, first with Genoa and then with Inter.
He will join Argentinian-born Cristian Ledesma as the only none Italy-born members of the squad.
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