hotel sending payment link - Booking

hi there, I'm planning a trip to Rome and booked a room via Booking, paid with an international card there. I received multiple notifications asking me to update the card and I did, there's nothing wrong with the card.

But the accomodation now keeps sending me an external link for payment via chat, saying they have "an issue with the pre-authorization machine".

As Booking themselves have a warning to not pay via email, whatsapp or whatever, I am worried if this is legit or a scam, or maybe a third party using their chat.

The name of the place is "Flaminio Palace Rooms" and it's perfect for us so I didn't want to give it up.

If anyone has ever been in this situation, please share :) grazie milleeeee