His previous clubs include Bellinzona, Parma, Napoli, Piacenza, Empoli, Messina, Chievo, Palermo, Juventus, Fiorentina and Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Amauri was trained at Palmeiras,[2] the club of his place of birth, São Paulo state, but failed to impress.

Santa Catarina Clube was invited to 2000 Torneo di Viareggio in Italy,[2][3][4][5] at which he showed his talent to scouts; he was signed by a club from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Bellinzona.

Amauri made his Messina club debut on 21 September 2002 in a 3–3 draw with Catania; he replaced Emanuele Calaiò in the 76th minute.

During his time with Chievo—particularly during the 2005–06 season, which ended in qualification to the preliminary phase of the UEFA Champions League (also favoured by the 2006 Serie A scandal)—Amauri showed most of his potential, becoming one of the key players of the team.

On 31 August 2006, the last day of the 2006 summer transfer period, Amauri was sold to Palermo[14] for €7 million cash plus Denis Godeas (valued at €700,000)[15] after having scored two goals in the return match of the third qualifying round against Levski Sofia.

Palermo had not had a prolific centre-forward since the departure of Luca Toni in 2005, and were in search for a viable partner for David Di Michele, as Andrea Caracciolo and Stephen Makinwa were not making a significant impact.

Immediately after his debut with Palermo, Amauri became a fan favourite and a key player for the Rosanero, scoring eight goals in 18 league matches until December 2006.

The 2010–11 season started well for Amauri, as he scored a brace in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds against Shamrock Rovers.

[23] He enjoyed an excellent few months at the club, scoring seven times in 11 games and playing a significant role in Parma securing their place in Serie A for another year, as he formed an attacking tandem with former Juve teammate Sebastian Giovinco.

[30] He powered his side to victory on 10 March, scoring three goals in 13 minutes as Parma came from behind to defeat Torino 4–1, snapping an eight-game losing streak.

[32] On 23 October, he scored his first goal for the Granata in a 2–0 home win against HJK Helsinki, the third match during the group stage of the Europa League.

[38] Following his impressive performances when at Palermo, Amauri was suggested to be a potential call-up of the then Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, who stated he might be interested in calling him to the Italian squad.

[42] In November 2009, Amauri himself confirmed his decision to play for Italy instead of Brazil following remarks by Italian striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who was critical about the possibility of having a non-Italian-born player within the Azzurri squad.

[53] On 10 August, he started the match alongside fellow debutant Mario Balotelli, and Antonio Cassano, the latter making his first appearance in two years, in a new-look line-up.

[54] Amauri has been described as a physically strong player with good technique, who excels in the air, and who is capable of taking advantage of chances and finishing well in the penalty area.