Altafini has put Gattuso in his place by telling the outspoken midfielder to talk less for everyone's sake...

Former Italy and Milan legend Jose Altafini has told Gennaro Gattuso to keep quiet regarding Amauri and to let Marcello Lippi do the talking on national team matters.

Gattuso came out publicly to declare his opposition against the Brazil-born Juventus striker playing for La Nazionale when his passport comes through and let his feelings be known in no uncertain terms.

Altafini, who played for both Italy and Brazil, has now jumped in to defend Amauri. Indeed, the former striker believes the Juve man should choose to play for the Azzurri.

"Gattuso's opinion and what he said about Amauri and Brazil was not very nice," Altafini told Sky Sport Italia.

"Gattuso needs to shut his mouth as Lippi is the Italy coach and he chooses the players for the team, including Amauri."

Although Amauri will have to wait a little longer for Italian eligibilty, Altafini believes he is better off choosing Italy over Brazil.

"If I was Amauri I would choose Italy as Brazil have seven great strikers already," he added.

"Amauri needs to decide what he wants to do now and take a decision, even though he hasn't received the passport yet. At this point I would choose the Azzurri."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com