Antonio Conte said Andrea Pirlo “deserves more respect” after criticism and feels Italy have the toughest Euro 2016 group.

The Azzurri won both games this week, beating Malta and Bulgaria 1-0, putting them top of Group H ahead of Norway and Croatia.

“We’re not qualified yet, so that has to be the primary focus until it is secured,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

Juventus director Beppe Marotta hinted Andrea Pirlo should retire from the Italy squad. “It’s a decision he must make.”

The 36-year-old midfielder did not renew his Bianconeri contract this summer and moved to New York City FC.

He became the first MLS player to feature for Italy in a 1-0 victory over Malta this week, but was criticised for his sluggish performance.

“I think every player should understand when the moment has come to hang up his boots,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium Sport when asked about Pirlo.

Antonio Conte will decide his line-up against Bulgaria tomorrow and shrugged off criticism of his Italy squad.

The Azzurri beat Malta 1-0 on Thursday and will host Bulgaria in another Euro 2016 qualifier in Palermo on Sunday evening.

“I have another training session tomorrow morning to evaluate who has recovered well and who hasn’t,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

Marco Verratti isn’t pushing through a generational shift for Italy. “Andrea Pirlo must be first choice in midfield.”

They made a rare start together in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Malta, but there are reports one or even both could be benched against Bulgaria tomorrow night.

There are conflicting reports over whether Italy will use 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 against Bulgaria, with Andrea Pirlo in doubt.

The Azzurri beat Malta 1-0 on Thursday evening and continue their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo tomorrow night.

It had until now been widely reported that Coach Antonio Conte would return to a 3-5-2 system, dropping New York City FC midfielder Pirlo to the bench.

The veteran was sluggish and made numerous inaccurate passes during the Malta game.

Azzurri talent Marco Verratti praises his newfound partnership with Andrea Pirlo: 'We work well together'.

The Paris Saint-Germain player and the New York City Football Club representative were fielded together in a pairing that brought together a promise and a veteran for Italy's game against Malta.

After the game, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported some of his words on the partnership.

“We work well together, as we cover different tasks,” he said.

“He directs play, I stay a little bit closer to the goal.

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 Italy will use Graziano Pellè, Antonio Candreva, Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo against Malta tomorrow.

Antonio Conte performed more experiments during training ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier on Thursday evening.

According to the latest rumours, New York City FC man Pirlo will become the first ever MLS player to feature for Italy.

He’s expected to start in midfield with Andrea Bertolacci and Paris Saint-Germain star Verratti.

It’ll be a rare occurrence to see both Verratti and Pirlo together.

Andrea Pirlo discussed his Italy call-up and sees Juventus as favourites against Roma today in a video interview.

The New York City FC star is included in the Azzurri squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers against Malta and Bulgaria next week.

He and Toronto FC striker Sebastian Giovinco become the first MLS players ever to go on international duty with Italy.