Malta vs Italy: Head to head statistics
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Match preview
Can Italy get their Euro qualifying campaign back on track?
On Thursday night, Gli Azzurri were beaten 2-1 by England in Naples, with debutant Mateo Retegui unable to spark a second half comeback.
Most would still expect Roberto Mancini’s team to finish in the top two of this group but, having missed out on back-to-back World Cups, anything less than a win here would make the Italian public edgy.
An away victory in Ħ’Attard seems likely, given that Malta are the minnows of Group C.
The Falcons were beaten 2-1 in North Macedonia on Thursday, with Yannick Yankam’s 86th minute goal a mere consolation.
Italy have won all eight qualification meetings with Malta, scoring 22 goals, with this trend likely to continue at Grawnd Nazzjonali.
Malta team news
Italy team news
Leonardo Bonucci has pulled out of the squad injured, meaning Rafael Tolói and Francesco Acerbi could continue as the centre-back pairing.
Having scored on debut against England, Argentine-born Mateo Retegui will continue up front.
