Italy manager Antonio Conte has slammed critics of his team after their third win in Euro 2016 qualifying.

The Azzurri claimed a 1-0 victory over Malta on Tuesday evening, but they have been criticised for lacking a cutting edge in the final third.

"We have won four games out of four, have provided a footprint to our game, [Gianluigi] Buffon has not had to make any saves and the goal we have conceded was caused by ourselves," Conte told ANSA.

"We have rekindled the flame of hope in the fans of the national team. Why do we now want to ruin this small flame by only looking at the glass half empty and ignoring the full one?

"I am calm, I cannot keep up with the mood swings. I know that we have much work to do, but I certainly have to do a broader analysis as CT than just on the goals scored."

Italy return to action with a home tie against Croatia on November 16.

Written by
Alex Meyers