Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was criticized by some political figures in the country for selecting a naturalized player in the team's squad for the friendly game against Ivory Coast.

Forward Mario Balotelli, who is of a Ghanaian descent, was also named in Italy's squad for the first time.

"I know the Italian anthem but for now I won't sing it. It will be up to me and Balotelli to change some people's minds," Amauri told reporters on Sunday.

"My aim is to stay in the Italy shirt for as long as possible, maybe until the Brazil World Cup in 2014. If I score against Brazil I would celebrate without a problem."

Prandelli is looking to inject new blood into the team following their dismal displays in the World Cup.

Italy, the 2006 World Cup champions, were eliminated from the first round after finishing at the bottom of Group F.