The uncapped Socceroo, who holds an Italian passport, told The Sun that the governing body of football in Italy had written to him to see if he'd consider switching allegiances.

"I am stunned. Playing for Italy never crossed my mind," Federici said.

"But to be contacted by the world champions in the run up to the World Cup is pretty incredible."

The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who currently plays with English Championship club Reading, starred in Australia's miserable 2008 Beijing Oiympics campaign.

Nevertheless, Federici has played second-fiddle to Australian custodian Mark Schwarzer at senior level, meaning the Nowra-born stopper has never won a Socceroos cap.

Federici has in the past expressed his desire to go to the 2010 World Cup with Australia and it is not yet known if he'll seriously consider Italy's approach.