Sporting director Filippo Antonelli admits former Italy coach Roberto Mancini targeted Carlos Augusto.
Antonelli signed Augusto for Monza before his sale to Inter Milan.
Antonelli told gianlucadimarzio.com: "I followed him a lot and insisted a lot with (Adriano) Galliani.
"'But Filippo, why do we have to take a Brazilian full-back?' .He's strong Doctor.".
He continued: "Italy? I remember that I interfaced with Mancini who wanted to talk to the boy. But Carlos said he wanted the green and gold. He hadn't yet played in Serie A with Monza and was already thinking about joining the national team."