Antonio Conte said he could change Marco Verratti’s position for Italy to fit with Andrea Pirlo against Malta.

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on Thursday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“We worked well over the last two and a half days, focusing mainly on tactics,” explained the Coach in a Press conference.

“We tried various different options, so I do have a few alternatives that I will decide on tomorrow morning. I have one decision to make in defence, one in midfield and one in attack.”

Antonio Conte said he could change Marco Verratti’s position for Italy to fit with Andrea Pirlo against Malta.

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence on Thursday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“We worked well over the last two and a half days, focusing mainly on tactics,” explained the Coach in a Press conference.

“We tried various different options, so I do have a few alternatives that I will decide on tomorrow morning. I have one decision to make in defence, one in midfield and one in attack.”

It’s reported Pirlo will partner Verratti in a new Azzurri midfield, completing a 4-3-3 system.

“As long as Pirlo has this enthusiasm and desire to play for the Nazionale, to put in the effort and set the example for the others, he will be welcome,” said Conte.

“I never said Pirlo and Verratti would play together. We tested out some tactical situations over the last couple of days and I hope we can see that work put to good use in a match.

“I think Verratti’s real position is in central midfield. He started out as a trequartista, plays as a deep-lying playmaker, but in my view his best position is somewhere in-between. Either that or in a two-man midfield.”

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