Italy kept the pressure on England after they cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Malta in their Euro qualifier at San Nicola in Bari.
Domenico Berardi scored twice before Giacomo Bonaventura scored his first international goal for the dominant hosts.
In injury time, Davide Frattesi tucked an effort inside the post for the fourth goal.
With three games remaining, Italy has fallen three points behind group leaders England, whom they face at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Italy is level on 10 points with third-placed Ukraine, who defeated North Macedonia 2-0, and will need at least two more wins to qualify for Euro 2024.
However, if England wins on Tuesday, the Three Lions will win the group.