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Gilardino: Insipid Italy need more than Amauri

The Group Eight leaders host Bulgaria on Wednesday where a win would put them four points clear of second-placed Ireland and on the brink of World Cup qualification.

However, they needed two own goals from Kakha Kaladze to win in Georgia on Saturday and recent poor performances have led fans to count down the days until Juventus forward Amauri gains an Italian passport.

"One player is not the solution to the problems of the team," fellow striker Gilardino told reporters.

"Amauri is really good but now what counts is the group and even if he is called up he will not have a place assured."

"In the rugby team for example there are lots. We are not a closed group. If Amauri or Thiago Motta came there wouldn't be problems," said the Juve defender, who was looking forward to playing at his home stadium in Turin on Wednesday.