I have always rated Amauri. If my memory serves me correct, he first arrived at the Penninsula with Matuzalem in Napoli, and they showed some promise so they got picked up by Parma, who then sent them on loan for eternity.
So it isnt like Amauri soundly found talent and became good. He is one of those typical players that go under the radar a bit, because they have on or two minor flaws, but scouts are well of aware of their presence as they possess great potential.
Now in Amauri's case, I always felt, he was one of the best at protecting the ball and linking the play up with midfield. He is strong as an ox, and decent agility as a forward. Work rate wasnt too bad either. But he just couldnt score to save his life despite a good work during the build up. His goal scoring record isnt prolific at all, so one must be somewhat cautious about his breakout year with Palermo. Igor Protti onced finished top goal-getter in Serie A, and we all know what happened since he got that big move to Lazio. I like Amauri as a player, but big teams should wait a year or more before they make a move on him, just as Fiorentina did for Toni. You can still contribute at the age of 27 or 28. Today's players got whole longer shelf life than b4.