Marco Verratti believes that he and Andrea Pirlo can develop a strong partnership in the Italy midfield after starting together in Thursday's 1-0 win against Malta.

Azzurri coach Antionio Conte admitted that he was not sure if the pair could play in the same team heading into the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier, which they won thanks to a goal from Graziano Pelle.

Verratti, though, feels that they compliment each other well in the centre of the park and just need time to adapt to each other.

"Andrea and I are good together," he told reporters. "We have different tasks in the team. He sets the pace, I remain closer to the defence. Now we have to work to find the perfect partnership."

Meanwhile, Italy team-mate Eder was delighted to feature alongside the two midfielders.

"Playing with Pirlo and Verratti is fantastic," he said. "Just go through with the right timing and they put you through on goal."