Former Italy midfielder Beppe Dossena has no qualms about the Azzurri’s performance in Friday’s 2-1 win over Azerbaijan but warns that tomorrow’s Group H qualifier against Malta will be no easy ride despite the gulf in quality between the two teams.

One of the traditional footballing heavyweights, Italy have yet to sparkle since Antonio Conte took over from Cesare Prandelli after the team’s shambolic World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Italy’s showing in the 2-1 victory over minnows Azerbaijan in Friday’s Euro 2016 Group H qualifier in Palermo did little to placate the growing legion of cynics but Beppe Dossena was quite pleased with the team’s efforts.

“Many have said that Italy had a bad game against Azerbaijan but I don’t agree,” Dossena said in a telephone interview with The Sunday Times of Malta.

“Let’s not forget that, in the past, Italy failed to beat teams like New Zealand, Slovakia and Paraguay and we didn’t play well in those games.

“In my opinion, Italy’s performance against Azerbaijan was not as bad as it has been made out to be.

“Besides, it’s very difficult to play against teams that are only interested in defending.

“I saw a lot of courage and determination from the Italy players. They did quite well.”

Defender Giorgio Chiellini stole the limelight in Friday’s qualifier after scoring Italy’s two goals as well as committing an own goal that handed Azerbaijan a temporary equaliser 14 minutes from time.

With the top two teams in each group guaranteed a berth in the Euro 2016 finals, to be held in France, Italy are expected to breeze through the qualifying campaign.

They have maximum points from their opening two qualifiers, having launched their group with a 2-0 victory away to Norway last month.

Croatia, who eked out a difficult 1-0 win away to Bulgaria on Friday, also have six points from two games and are widely tipped to challenge Italy for top spot.

“It looks like Croatia will pose the biggest threat in Group H,” Dossena said.

“In terms of history, tradition and ability, it has to be Croatia.”

On paper, the Azzurri, who failed to advance past the group stages in Brazil, should encounter little trouble to extend their winning start when they face Malta but Dossena struck a cautious note.

“When Italy played Malta last year (2014 World Cup qualifier), we suffered a bit before securing the points,” Dossena said.

“In football, don’t expect gifts from your opponents, you have to work hard to win.

“It (the game against Malta) will not be easy. Obviously, there is a big difference between the two teams but Malta have shown in the past that they can be tough to beat.

“I’ve seen Malta twice in the last two years and on both occasions, they gave a good account of themselves.

“They are coached by an Italian (Pietro Ghedin) who knows us very well.

“It will not be a straightforward match. We need to play well and put in the effort to earn the three points.”

Dossena, who now works as a football analyst for RAI after an uneventful coaching career, refrained from wading into the debate about the differences between Italy’s progress under Prandelli, who took charge of Turkish club Galatasaray after the World Cup, and Conte’s impact.

“Differences... we should remember that under Prandelli Italy finished second at Euro 2012, third in the Confederations Cup and generally played good football,” Dossena remarked.

“You need to assess the performances of the current Italy team over a longer period but we all know Conte’s qualities.

“It’s too early to judge him but he has already led Italy to three consecutive wins and not many coaches have achieved that.

“At the same time, we should also keep in mind that Italy are coming from two disappointing World Cup campaigns.”

Home-grown talent

The perceived dearth of young, homegrown talent in the Serie A has been largely blamed for Italy’s troubles to make their mark in major tournaments but Dossena insisted that there is no lack of promising talent in his country.

“There is no shortage of youth players coming through,” Dossena opined.

“Italy have a very strong U-21 side but the problem is that the youngsters only play at club level if there’s someone injured.

“There is a lot of quality in our youth football but unfortunately they are not being given the chance to develop in the Serie A.”

During his career, Dossena, 56, made 38 appearances for Italy and was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 1982.

Famed for his work ethic and marauding runs on the wings, Dossena has many fond memories of his time as an Italy player.

“Il Mondiale (the World Cup),” was Dossena’s prompt reply when asked about the highlights of his international career.

“The World Cup is such a big and important tournament and winning it was a great moment in my career.

“But, I enjoyed every minute, every moment of my time as a member of the Italian national squad.

“Thinking of those years evokes a lot of nostalgia. I must say that football gave me the joy and satisfaction that I longed for when I started my career.”

Playing for Italy was a source of immense pride for Dossena.

“The Maltese players who represent their country surely feel the same,” Dossena said.

“It’s a matter of pride, passion and also responsibility.

“Every time I donned the Italy shirt, I did it with great enthusiasm and affection.

“It is a privilege.”

At club level, Dossena figured for a host of teams but is mostly remembered for his spells with Torino, his first club, and Samp-doria with whom he won the scudetto in season 1990-91 plus a clutch of other trophies.

Dossena was part of the greatest team in Samp’s history as the Genoa-based club fell on hard times after that title triumph but the fans are daring to dream of a return to the upper echelons of the Serie A on the back of the team’s bright start this season.

Spearheaded by Serbian coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, Samp are currently third in the table with 14 points from six games, one behind Roma and four adrift of leaders Juventus.

The former club stalwart has seen enough from Sampdoria to suggest that they can challenge for a Europa League spot this season.

“Sampdoria are doing well,” Dossena said.

“They have a balanced team and I believe they can go far this season.

“I’m not saying that they will win the scudetto but, behind the top duo of Juventus and Roma, they are one of the teams who can fight for the Europa League.”