Italy play host to minnows Malta in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday looking to consolidate second place in Group C.
The Azzurri, who are European champions but have failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups, have stuttered their way through qualifying so far. However, a big win over Ukraine last month has left them in a good position to progress into next summer’s major tournament.
A Davide Frattesi brace inspired Luciano Spalletti’s side last time out, and the Italians will be expected to coast to victory on Saturday ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Wembley. Italy currently sit level on points with Ukraine and North Macedonia in Group C, but they have played one less game than their rivals.
Here’s 90min’s preview of the upcoming qualifier against Malta in Bari.
Italy vs Malta H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (Last Five Games)
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Viaplay UK, Viaplay Sports 2 |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Fubo Sports Network, ViX |
|
Canada |
DAZN |
International football rights holders around the world
|
Country |
Broadcaster |
|---|---|
|
Argentina |
ESPN |
|
Brazil |
TVGlobo, SporTV, GloboPlay (streaming), ESPN, Star+ (streaming) |
|
France |
TF1, M6, DAZN |
|
Germany |
DAZN |
|
Italy |
RAI, Sky Sport, Channel 20 (free to air) |
|
Spain |
TVE |
Moise Kean is back in the squad after Ciro Immobile was made unavailable due to injury. Tottenham star Destiny Udogie has also earned his maiden senior call-up for the Azzurri. Club teammate Guglielmo Vicario could be in line for a rare international start.
In-form Fiorentina midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura has also earned his first call-up since 2020, and the calcio veteran could earn a start on Saturday.
Gianluca Scamacca will be hoping to see plenty of the field this month in the absence of Immobile.
Italy predicted lineup vs Malta (4-3-3): Vicario; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Frattesi, Cristante, Barella; Berardi, Scamacca, Zaccagni.
Malta’s squad boasts names known to very few, and there’s only one notable piece of team news ahead of their trip to Bari this weekend.
The visitors will be without suspended defender Steve Borg, and he’ll likely be replaced by Cain Attard in the starting XI.
Malta predicted lineup vs Italy (3-4-2-1): Bonello; Attard, Pepe, Muscat; Mbong, Guillaumier, Kristensen, Camenzuli; Teuma, Jones; Nwoko.
Spalletti’s side may have being playing with a hint of tension hadn’t they beaten Ukraine last month, but that victory should release the shackles somewhat.
The Italy boss should shuffle his pack ahead of Tuesday’s contest in London, and the Azzurri’s fringe stars will be keen to impress on Saturday. While Malta aren’t utterly incompetent, this test should be way beyond the visitors. This has to be a comfortable win for the Azzurri.
Prediction: Italy 4-0 Malta
READ THE LATEST EURO 2024 NEWS, PREVIEWS AND PLAYER RATINGS
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90Mins
