Mario Balotelli, Giuseppe Rossi must work 'much harder' to join Italy squad

Italy booked its place in Euro 2016 on Saturday courtesy of a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan.

Related: Italy secures qualification for Euro 2016 with comfortable win over Azerbaijan

Forwards Stephan El Shaarawy and Eder weighed in with a goal each in Baku, while the form of Southampton's Graziano Pelle has been encouraging since he made his debut a year ago.

The meandering runs and tricky feet of Sebastian Giovinco also made for an impressive cameo from the Toronto FC man on the weekend.

With the form of the quartet, Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi could be hard-pressed to win a place in the Azzuri's squad for next year's tournament in France.

Balotelli is trying to work his way back to form at AC Milan. The controversial frontman had an annus horribilis at Liverpool last term, recording just one solitary strike in 16 Premier League appearances for the Merseyside club.

"I'm going to take note of the group that got us here and whoever wants to join in will have to deserve it twice as much, and will have to work much harder to take the place of those that are here," Conte said, according to the Guardian.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina attacking midfielder Rossi is fighting for fitness after a horrendous bout of knee injuries kept him out of action over the whole 2014-15 Serie A campaign. He scored his first goal in 17 months recently, but will have to knuckle down if he's to win the attentions of national team boss Antonio Conte.

Italy host Norway on Tuesday to conclude the country's Euro 2016 qualification campaign, and a draw would be enough for the home side to cement first place in Group H.