The Brazilian - born player represented the South Americans at the Gold Cup in 2003 .
As South Americans fielded an Under - 23 team player was allowed by FIFA to change allegiance to Italy and made player 's debut in 2011 .
The Brazilian - born player represented the South Americans at the Gold Cup in 2003 , but as they fielded an Under - 23 team he was allowed by FIFA to change allegiance to Italy and made his debut in 2011 .