Italy's premature exit from the World Cup has not cancelled Italian girls' interest in their most beloved players, who often have the unmistakable traits of Brazilian nationals, Xinhua has recently learnt from the opinions of several teenagers.

"Neymar (da Silva Santos Junioris, forward in the Brazil national team) is the most handsome, he has gorgeous lineaments," a 14-year-old schoolgirl, Beatrice Colombo, told Xinhua.

"I am even following him on Twitter, even though I do not understand a word of what he writes in Brazilian," she added.

Her peer Alessia Rivas had not different tastes.

"I have gathered images of him for three years, I have all of them. He is just perfect," she said.

While this girl was enthusiastically describing Neymar's "breathtaking beauty" to Xinhua, her mother was shaking her head.

"Before the World Cup began, I did not even know who Neymar was, but it seems that all of my daughter's friends already knew him very well," she said.

Brazil captain Thiago Silva was another player on top of Italian teenagers' rank.

"I think Brazilian footballers have very warm physical treats," 17-year-old Martina Caldarulo elaborated, trying to explain what in the end makes guys from that part of the world so much "seductive".

"Just look at their particular features: they have dark skin, hazel eyes and face-framing curly hair. What more do you want?" she went on saying.

"Rebelliousness" and "natural charisma," which are typical of some Brazilian players, also had an important role in their charm, Caldarulo also highlighted.

"I love the way they exult and dance after a goal or a victory, I find it so happy and engaging," she added.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Real Madrid and captains the Portugal national team, came soon after his Brazilian fellows.

"I collected many pictures on him from the web," 18-year-old Elisa Volpato told Xinhua.

Alice Pettenati, 20, agreed with her. "His athletic body is perfect," she said underlining that it is "impossible not to notice Ronaldo when he takes the field."

Among players of their own nation's team, Italian girls indicated midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who was red-carded for kicking a defender with the studs of his boot, and striker Mario Balotelli, who lashed out at supporters who complained about his lackluster performance in the World Cup.

"Marchisio was the most good-looking one, beyond doubt. I am following him on Facebook and often talk about him with my school-friends," said 16-year-old Sofia Ferrazzi.

"Balotelli was the best," said Chiara Gemini, also aged 16.

"Many media and fans like to blame him because of his impetuous personality, but I am sure he is a tender bear and at heart he is a good guy," she stressed.

By any chance, are Italian guys jealous of the sweet words dedicated to footballers? Not at all, some of them said.

"After all, we know that our girlfriends will never meet them," 19-year-old Filippo Foresta said.

"I am not envious," said his peer Vincenzo Inglin, echoing his words.

"We love World Cup football, so let our girls love our heroes," he said.