Luciano Spalletti warns the Italy squad ‘must move beyond’ the betting scandal and focus on beating Malta, but also advises players who put their own careers in jeopardy to ‘recognise the privilege of their position.’
It kicks off at the Stadio San Nicola at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
They will visit Wembley Stadium on Tuesday for another EURO 2024 qualifier against England.
It has been a far from ideal build-up, as Federico Chiesa and Mattia Zaccagni joined Ciro Immobile, Mateo Retegui, Ivan Provedel and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the absentee list.
Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo were sent home after they were placed under formal investigation for illegal betting.
“We cannot remain stuck in this situation. We must move beyond it, as we had all day to analyse this, feel this sense of disappointment and confusion, but tomorrow we must get back to taking action,” Spalletti said in his press conference.
“Unfortunately, with the situation that had been created, we had no other choice if not to send them back to their homes, families and clubs.
“I hope they can clarify everything, prove their innocence and return to us, as they are two very strong players. I realised even more in training this week just how good Zaniolo can be if you take away some of his bad habits – on the field habits, I hasten to add.”
Spalletti reiterated that the players were not banned from the Italy camp, but rather sent home for their own good.
Above all, he urged all the Serie A players to think carefully next time they might put their careers in jeopardy for the thrill of gambling.
“Nobody forced anything upon us. We want to be a group that gives a fair representation of the beauty that we have been given, the beauty of being able to represent the Nazionale.
“We said some things in the locker room, tried to remind people what their obligations are and let them reflect on bad habits. There are many young lads who dream of being where we are, of doing what we do, and we must recognise that we have been given a gift. If some do not recognise the privilege of their position, then we’ll make sure they do.
“Now tomorrow we must get back to action and reaction, because we know the importance of the game and cannot carry this weight around with us. Now this is the last question I will answer about this matter.”