Italy coach Antonio Conte has warned Southampton striker Graziano Pelle not to expect a cap against Malta.
There is talk of Pelle making the starting XI.
"Pellè? He is an option, as I never call someone up just as a reward for doing well at club level. He is an option, just like Immobile, Giovinco and Destro.
"Pirlo did well against Azerbaijan, but he is coming back from a serious injury, so we will evaluate the situation. Verratti is fit and in the best condition to play.
"Pirlo was man-marked in the last game, but he is accustomed to that. It's unfortunate that teams take that approach, as it's damaging to football.
"I always tell my players that beautiful football leads to victories. We work for an attacking philosophy."
