Ghedin visit sparks talk of Malta return

Italian coach Pietro Ghedin may emerge as a surprise candidate for the Malta job.

Ghedin, who coached both the senior and Malta U-21 sides in the past, was not mentioned among the leading contenders for the post in the past few months as the MFA initially tried to lure Czech Dusan Fitzel back to its fold.

After Fitzel turned down the MFA’s approach to stay in his post as technical director of the Czech FA, the association’s top brass turned their attentions to other candidates amid reports of a preference for an Italian coach.

Although the MFA have given little away about their search for a new national coach, Ghedin’s visit to Malta earlier this month to preside over a seminar for women’s coaches triggered rumours that the Italian, who is currently in charge of Italy’s women’s team, may have had exploratory talks over the national coach’s post.

With the MFA enjoying close ties with its Italian counterpart, the FIGC, the possibility that Ghedin returns for a second spell as Malta coach is not being excluded.

Since leaving his post as Malta coach in 1996, Ghedin, 59, has held various roles within the FIGC. He was one of the assistant coaches of the Italian national team between 1996 and 2004.

The appointment of a new national coach is believed to be on the agenda of today’s meeting of the MFA Executive Committee. It remains to be seen whether a final decision will be taken today but the Exco members are expected to be presented with a shortlist of candidates that may include Ghedin, Giancarlo Camolese and one, possibly two, other Italian coaches.

The fact that the Azzurri have been drawn in the same 2014 World Cup qualifying group as Malta has probably enhanced the allure of the MFA position in the eyes of Italian coaches.

The post of Malta coach has been vacant since the MFA relieved John Buttigieg of his duties in late October. Robert Gatt, the Malta FA technical director, has been appointed national coach on an interim basis ahead of the friendly match against Liechtenstein on February 29.