 Santa Catarina Clube was invited to 2000 Torneo di Viareggio in Italy, at which he showed his talent to scouts; he was signed by a club from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Bellinzona.He scored once in five appearances.After half a season in the Swiss Nationalliga B and Nationalliga A/B playoffs, Amauri played for Napoli in 2000–01 due to the abolishment of the non-EU quota.