© EuroFootball.com
FIFA allowed Thiago Motta to represent the Italian national team in a friendly match against Germany, which will take place on Wednesday.
The Milan Inter footballer was born in Brazil and wore the jersey of the Brazilian youth national team, but after receiving an invitation from coach Cesare Prandelli, he decided to represent Italy.
"It's great that players who were not born in Italy want to play for the national team," said Prandelli. "I invite those who deserve it, and I don't care about criticism regarding their ethnic origin."
Prandelli has also invited other naturalized footballers to the national team - Brazilian Amauri and Argentinean Cristian Ledesma.
