Italy are keeping a close eye on Yuri Alberto, details | OneFootball

By Tiago Salazar, Thais Bueno and Guilherme Felici

Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto is being closely monitored by Italy to strengthen the national team for the cycle leading up to the 2030 World Cup. The player’s staff was approached by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to find out whether he would be willing to become naturalized and play for the national team.

Yuri Alberto and his staff view the possibility favorably. Corinthians’ No. 9 traveled to the country at the start of this year to obtain an Italian passport, which could make a possible naturalization process easier.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

The information was first reported by journalist Benjamin Back and confirmed by Gazeta Esportiva.

It is worth noting that the striker was targeted by Italian clubs in the last transfer window. Corinthians received offers from Lazio and Roma, but both were rejected by the club’s board.

Can Yuri play for Italy?

Timão’s striker could wear Italy’s jersey without any issue even after having represented the Brazilian national team. The center forward played for Brazil on only one occasion, in a friendly against Morocco in February 2023.

Since it was not an official match in the World Cup qualifiers, World Cup, or other official tournaments, Yuri Alberto is allowed to represent any other national team.

Yuri Alberto’s numbers at Corinthians

Yuri Alberto is Corinthians’ top scorer this season, with five goals in 14 matches. Overall, the striker has totaled 81 goals and 22 assists in 103 appearances wearing Timão’s shirt.

Corinthians’ upcoming matches

Corinthians vs Palmeiras (11th round of the Brasileirão) Date and time: 04/12 (Sunday), at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo (SP)

Corinthians vs Santa Fe-COL (second round of the Libertadores) Date and time: 04/15 (Wednesday), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo (SP)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.