Brazil manager Dunga said he had been keen to call up Sampdoria forward Eder, who marked his Italy debut with a goal in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bulgaria.
Having now made his first international appearance in a competitive fixture for Italy, the Brazil-born forward is no longer eligible to represent the country of birth.
Dunga told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he was monitoring the 28-year-old and suggested he might have given him his chance soon.
"It's too late now," Dunga said. "Eder was on the list of players in Europe we were following. I've seen some footage of a Sampdoria game he played in. He's got a good touch.
"Football's globalised now and people accept the offer they find most interesting. It's a great find for the Azzurri. Eder finds it easy to score."
He added: "Anybody who wants to represent Brazil has got to know how to be patient. In his position, I've got Neymar, [Philippe] Coutinho, Oscar, Robinho and Willian. The Brazil shirt is special and you've got to earn it and then take it at the right time.
"Just look at [Roberto] Firmino. Before these friendlies against France and Chile, he was only regarded as a prospect. He came in and scored decisive goals and now he's part of the team.
"Eder was in too much of a rush. Or perhaps he made the right decision. Only time will tell."
While accepting Eder's decision to choose Italy, Dunga said he cannot comprehend why Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto would want to move to Juventus next season.
If he completes a move to Turin, he is likely to play second fiddle to 37-year-old Gianluigi Buffon.
"A young goalkeeper's going to challenge Buffon -- it doesn't seem like a good idea to me," Dunga said. "I can't imagine seeing Buffon on the bench and Neto in his place. Buffon's still hungry. A young, talented player needs to be playing, not waiting."