Malta coach Pietro Ghedin has defended his team from criticism about their commitment in last Friday's 3-0 defeat to Norway as the national side finalise their preparations for tomorrow's eagerly-awaited Euro 2016 Group H qualifier against Italy at the National Stadium.
"We hope to do better," Ghedin replied when asked if on Friday his players had shown passion, commitment and responsibility, the values highlighted by former Italy midfielder Beppe Dossena in an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta.
"I wouldn't make a valuation like that. During the year, it's not always possible to show your best on the pitch but there is always commitment from the players."
Ghedin admitted that he is trying hard to lift the team's morale as some players were down after the loss to Norway.
"We are working a lot on the psychological side as the morale of some players is down after the Norway setback," Ghedin said.
"Sometimes, when you are feeling the pressure, you forget the little things. If you drop your guard or lose concentration, you will have problems.
"We are trying to address these issues so that the players approach the game against Italy in the best way possible."
Ghedin is likely to make some changes from the Norway game after expressing his disappointment with the side's defending in the post-match news conference.
As a former assistant coach of Italy, Ghedin worked with Antonio Conte who has taken over the national team following the resignation of Cesare Prandelli after the World Cup.
Asked by an Italian journalist if, at the time, he imagined that Conte would one day become coach of Italy, Ghedin replied: "Certainly, Conte had the character. He is very lively and bright person.
"He's also very outspoken. Conte is a great person and he deserves all the success he has had."
Before taking the Italy job, Conte was in charge of Juventus whom he led to three consecutive Serie A titles.
Italy have won their opening two Euro 2016 qualifiers under Conte, 2-0 away to Norway and 2-1 at home to Azerbaijan last Friday.
Malta have lost their first two games after going down 2-0 to Croatia in their opening qualifier last month.