Italy manager Antonio Conte has revealed that Riccardo Montolivo and Thiago Motta will play no part in Sunday's Euro 2016 warm-up match against Scotland in Malta.
Both players have picked up calf injuries during training but are expected to be fit for this summer's tournament, with Conte having to cut seven players from his squad by May 31.
Daniele De Rossi is also struggling with injury, but the future Chelsea boss confirmed that the experienced midfielder will feature against Gordon Strachan's side.
"Montolivo and Motta are okay, they are back training with us, but they won't play. We won't risk them. De Rossi still has a problem with his Achilles tendon but he will play and we will see how it goes," he told reporters.
"I am very satisfied with the players in training. All are showing me that they want to go to the Euros. I have had time to train with the players, I can transmit my ideas and I feel it's going well.
"Some players are coming back from injuries, even if they are important players, they have to show they are fit. I have to make a selection. That is the worst thing for a coach, even if they are friends you have to leave some out. I will talk with the doctors and they will help me decide."
Italy, who are already without Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio for the tournament, will take on Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in the group stage of Euro 2016.
Barney Corkhill
