Italy coach Antonio Conte has demanded that his players be fully focused ahead of a very important four-day stretch for the Azzurri in view of Euro 2016.

Conte’s men take on Malta tomorrow (Thursday) in Florence needing three points to maintain the pressure on Group H leaders Croatia.

The Italians are two points adrift of Croatia after six games and host Bulgaria three days later.

Six points is a must for the 2012 Euro runners-up.

“We can seal qualification for the European Championship with two wins over Malta and Bulgaria,” Conte said to the Italian press. “We have to focus on our games.

“The aim is to win them all and finish top of the group; to win all of our four remaining matches would also help our confidence. We would grow from every point of view.

“It will be crucial to achieve these six points, it would allow us to prepare better for June.”

Italy have drawn their last three qualifiers.

Malta would appear to pose little or no threat for the Azzurri.
The Italians have won all seven of the previous encounters against their neighbours, scoring 20 goals while giving away two in the process.

However, Conte is not taking anything for granted.

He said: “Malta is a team that has grown a lot in the past few years. They defend with eight men. They are a tough opponent for every team.”

Lorenzo Insigne has replaced injured Sebastian Giovinco, who is out with a groin injury, while Andrea Pirlo is with Italy after moving to New York City in MLS from Juventus this summer.