The teenager has trained with the Selecao previously but has yet to make a competitive appearance for Tite's side
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has made contact with representatives of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli with a view to having the young Brazilian snub the country of his birth and instead pledge his allegiance to the Italy national team.
Martinelli was born in the Brazilian city of Guarulhos in the state of Sao Paolo, but it has emerged that he is eligible for an Italian passport through his father, and the Azzurri are keen to sign up the 18-year-old as he has not yet turned out for the Selecao.
Brazil national team coach Tite did actually call-up the youngster to join pre-tournament training ahead of the 2019 Copa America, which Brazil went on to win, but the trip was merely to have Martinelli and a select few other starlets get experience in a national team set-up.
Whether the Gunners' raw talent will be interested in making a switch to Italy remains to be seen, but the FIGC will no doubt point to the plethora of forwards already at Tite's disposal – Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus, Vinicius Junior, Douglas Costa and Lucas Moura to name just a few.
Tite's former right-hand man, Edu, is now director of football at Arsenal, could well step in to convince the player to reject Italy's proposal, though it is understood that Martinelli has not yet ruled anything out.
Should he accept, he would become the third Brazil-born member of the Azzurri squad, joining Chelsea duo Emerson Palmieri and Jorginho.
Vipdikrsu
1
make a good choice boy
hokbdmnop
0
nice squad
pineasmp
0
Brazil lack a consistent striker.. he can be their no. one in the future
Dundinho
0
What a shame. For Italian football they are busy getting Brazilian players Eder, jorginho, Emerson , Motta to mention a few. and they are also planning to get Lyanco. They also wanted Allan and Silva. This is shameful.
He did no grow up in itali.
betbdiklst
0
If you go to Brazil you will warm up the bench
Hans10
0
I think he should go to Italy, cause this Brezil team have way to many player, but I would take him instead of Emerson
He’s dad was I think, but he was born in Brezil therefore he’s eligible to a due citizenship, and once he get one, he can technically play for either one, same as Diego Costa, Deco and more
Hiuilnoz
3
ok or ye's
Veoiklyz
0
he can be a star for Brazil
there's already too many stars in the Brazil team! Go Italy and make a name for yourself matenelli
wuzaeky
4
Just chose Tanzania over those two, you will became a superstar of the team.
Wuwdelnpsz
0
MAN UTD ONLY AFTER BRITISH TALENT.....LEADING TO THE TEAM DOWN FALL
You mean like Harry Maguire?
Wuwdelnpsz
0
You mean like Harry Maguire? 😂
houemnopty
0
What a shame. For Italian football they are busy getting Brazilian players Eder, jorginho, Emerson , Motta to mention a few. and they are also planning to get Lyanco. They also wanted Allan and Silva. This is shameful.
His father is from Italy he can choose both side I think he can make any decisions to himself any side he chooses good for him
wotdprty
1
MAN UTD ONLY AFTER BRITISH TALENT.....LEADING TO THE TEAM DOWN FALL
yorwah
1
he can be a star for Brazil
Busailoz
2
Go to Italy not brasil
Hesiorsuy
1
Italy🙄
kaggwajohn
2
go with brazil
elnilsen99
2
he is so special and they are cuing up for him just at 18..... he is a big talent and on
ORCHI2113
1
I think he will choose Brazil
kinghoono45
4
just let the boy choose himself he knows whats better for him
Foebekmoyz
1
This is shameful, such a powerhouse like Italy always picking up Brazilian talent to contribute to their soccer proud heritage. What a shame!
come on man even Spain tried to keep messi and even now trying to keep fati!! so relax
Bomcdnoptz
1
If his father is from Italy let him play for the Azuri's.
Kobby-caf
3
He is capable of competing with the current crop of players in the Brazil national team.....Charlie u for compete
Eddycure
4
hopefully, he turns down Italy. Brazil is the team to play for.
Dundinho
0
I think he should go to Italy, cause this Brezil team have way to many player, but I would take him instead of Emerson
Hey he is not Italian.
Dundinho
1
What a shame. For Italian football they are busy getting Brazilian players Eder, jorginho, Emerson , Motta to mention a few. and they are also planning to get Lyanco. They also wanted Allan and Silva. This is shameful.
nueelnprtu
3
hey Marti make sure a Brazil u played for!
Saddikyz
5
stay with Brazil son ur just 18 have a lot of time to make that side just keep on 💯 working hard
hekbeklmz
3
This is shameful, such a powerhouse like Italy always picking up Brazilian talent to contribute to their soccer proud heritage. What a shame!
Mahmud19
3
It's always honor to play for your country. I hope he doesn't join Italy like Jorginho. He should know that by the time he is 25, Neymar Costa Firmino will be out of the team due to age.
Hans10
3
I think he should go to Italy, cause this Brezil team have way to many player, but I would take him instead of Emerson
MrMeeeeeee
4
He's Brazilian 100% ,,,surely he'll represent his country of birth. The rules are fffd up .