Italy-Malta is a match from the seventh day of Group C of Euro 2024 qualifiers and is played Saturday at 8:45 p.m.: TV, lineups, predictions.
In the match against Ukraine a month ago, we saw – albeit only in flashes – what could become Luciano Spalletti’s “new” Italy.
After an uncertain debut against North Macedonia – the unexpected draw in Skopje threatens to complicate the Azzurri’s path to Germany 2024 – the head coach, who took over from the resigning Mancini last August, obtained a very precious success against the most accredited rival for second place, bent 2-1 at the San Siro. It was a match decided by Frattesi’s brace but one that showcased the first novelties from a tactical point of view, with Italy dominating possession for almost the entire first half through an enveloping and quick maneuver. The victory with the Ukrainians allowed Spalletti and his men to join Serhij Rebrov’s own selection in the standings on 7 points. And the group standings at the moment see three teams (Italy, Ukraine and North Macedonia) sharing second place, the other two however (England and Malta) now have little to say: the English, who are looking down on everyone, are one step away from qualification; Malta is practically a goner after having collected only defeats. Italy, however, has one match less than Ukraine and North Macedonia, having been engaged in the Nations League Final Four last June.
Tonali and Zaniolo have left the training camp
In the two matches in October, Italy must compulsorily beat bottom-of-the-table Malta at the San Nicola in Bari, and then try to take points away from the prohibitive trip to Wembley.
The Maltese
The match with the selection led by former Chievo midfielder Michele Marcolini is a kind of dress rehearsal before the big match with the English, who in March took a little “revenge” from the final of the last European Championship by defeating 2-1 the “Maradona” in Naples. Malta has so far scored only one goal in five matches (against North Macedonia), while conceding 11: it has lost by more than two goals only to England, which overwhelmed it 4-0 in June. Italy, on the other hand, merely scored two (0-2) in Ta’ Qali, thanks to goals scored by the oriundo Retegui and Pessina. The eve of the match was troubled by the betting affair involving Tonali and Zaniolo. Both have already left the Coverciano retreat after being heard by the police and have been “replaced” by Ricci and Politano. Spalletti will confirm the 4-3-3, with Raspadori again in the role of false nueve in place of the injured Immobile: on his sides the returning Berardi and Kean. In the middle there will be space for Barella, Locatelli and Frattesi, while in defense the two centerbacks will be Mancini and Bastoni. On the other side, Marcolini will opt for a buttoned-down 3-5-2: the only doubt is up front, where Satariano and Nwoko will compete for a jersey.
The Prediction
Italy’s victory, as was the case in the last five previous matches against Malta, does not seem to be in question. However, we believe that the Azzurri, despite the absence of a real gunner at the center of the offensive trident, can be more prolific than in the last match, getting to score at least three goals.
The probable lineups of Italy-Malta
- ITALY (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi; Berardi, Raspadori, Kean.
- MALTA (3-5-2): Bonello; Muscat, S. Borg, J. Borg; J. Mbong, Yankam, Guillaumier, N. Muscat, Corbalan; Jones, Satariano.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-0