The ultimate ruling did not disappoint the Italian side. FIFA gave a definitive answer regarding Motta's eligibility for the Italian national team, and the Brazilian Football Association had to reluctantly abandon its "resistance." La Gazzetta dello Sport pointed out that both Prandelli and Motta himself are very pleased with this result. The 23-man Italian squad list will be announced this weekend, and it is certain that Motta's name will be on it. Motta has become the third dual-nationality player recruited by Prandelli after Amauri and Ledesma. Meanwhile, players like Zarate and Diego Lopez also have the potential to be called up to the national team in the future.
According to the latest regulations of FIFA, any player who has not represented their country's senior team in an international A-level match can change their nationality at any age and play for another national team. Although Motta, 28 years old, has never been part of the Brazilian national team during his professional career, he did play for Brazil's U23 team in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup, participating in two matches. The Brazilian Football Association raised doubts, arguing that the U23 team Motta played for was essentially part of the senior national team, which would mean Motta would not be eligible to play for the Italian national team.
There is no obstacle for Motta to join the Italian national team! On the evening of February 5th, La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that FIFA, involved in the matter of whether Motta could play for Italy, has clearly expressed its position: there is no problem with Motta joining the Italian national team. This means that the last obstacle for Motta to play for Italy has been removed, and he will definitely participate in the friendly match between Italy and Germany on February 9th.
With no other options, the Italian Football Federation sought FIFA's help to resolve the issue. Three days ago, FIFA began to intervene in the dispute over Motta's national team affiliation and promised to make a ruling by Friday this week. At the same time, Giancarlo Abete, the president of the Italian Football Federation, expressed confidence in recruiting Motta.
As early as the last day of January, Sky Sports Italia revealed that Motta had received a call from Prandelli, and the Italian coach formally invited him to join the latest edition of the Italian national team roster. However, three days later, the situation changed, and the obstacle came from the stance of the Brazilian Football Association.