I love those civs.
Maltese:
Focus: High Quality Units / Defense
Honestly great variation with a lot of different playstyles.
Also a great alternativ civ for people that enjoy playing the germans but want something less frustrating.
Italians:
Focus: Late Game / High Quality Mercs
Italians are a tiny bit weird to say the least. But once they get rolling. Damn they have some good tricks up their sleeve.
Needs some time to get going.
Highly recommened both civs.