By the look of it, tonight’s Euro 2016 Group H qualifier between Italy and Malta is a gross mismatch, a David-vs-Goliath type of encounter.

In this context, Malta have nothing to lose as everyone expects Italy to steamroller the Group H minnows but national coach Pietro Ghedin has challenged his players to defy their underdog status with a redoubtable performance at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

“My feeling is that my squad is in fine fettle,” Ghedin told the pre-match news conference in Florence, yesterday.

“We are ready for the game but we will see what happens.

“This is an encounter between the second team in the group and the bottom one and that says everything about the difficulty of this game but it doesn’t mean that we have already lost.

“We know it’s difficult as Italy’s ambition is to finish top of the group but we also have our own ambitions. We will do our utmost.”

Having occupied a variety of coaching roles with the FIGC for nearly two decades, Ghedin returned for a second spell in charge of Malta back in 2012.

The affable Italian, who is clearly held in high esteem here, is facing his native country for the fourth time in the last three years as Malta were also drawn in Italy’s group in the 2014 World Cup qualifying trek.

“I’m Italian but everyone knows that I love Malta,” Ghedin replied when asked if he felt more Maltese than Italian at present.

“They have adopted me well. Okay, the sacrifices are considerable as I’m not in Malta for a holiday but life is good and I’m proud of what I’m doing.”

Second in the group with 12 points, one adrift of leaders Croatia, Italy are targeting a maximum six-point haul from their qualifiers against Malta and Bulgaria on Sunday. The media focus in the lead-up to tonight’s qualifier has been on their lack of firepower – Italy have only scored nine goals to Croatia’s 16.

Reports here indicate that coach Antonio Conte will switch to 4-3-3 to bolster his side’s attacking prowess. Ghedin said that Italy have become very unpredictable under Conte.

“With Conte Italy can be unpredictable,” Ghedin said.

Malta national team players in a warm-up game during training in Florence, yesterday.Malta national team players in a warm-up game during training in Florence, yesterday.

“You can never feel safe or tranquil when facing Italy. You have to be very focused and attentive because Italy have a great squad but we also have small but lion-hearted group of players.”

On the prospect of taking on a three-pronged, goal-hungry Italy strikeforce tonight, Ghedin expressed hope that Malta avoid conceding soft goals.

“In today’s game, no team takes to the pitch bearing gifts,” Ghedin said of Italy’s struggles to find the net in this qualifying campaign.

“I must say that there have been occasions when our team has given away presents in terms of soft goals. Naturally, everybody knows that this game will be very difficult for us because of Italy’s elevated status in world football.

“You can expect everything but we will try to do our best.”

Conte reckons Alfred Effiong has given Malta’s attack a new dimension.

The Nigerian-born striker, who was granted Maltese citizenship earlier this year, captured the headlines in June after scoring a stunning solo goal in the 2-0 friendly win over Lithuania at the National Stadium.

Invited to air his views on Conte’s comments about Effiong, Ghedin replied: “Alfred Effiong is an important player but for me, it’s the entire squad that gives us that extra push.

“We don’t have stars, the squad is our best quality. If we stay united, we can do something. Unity is our strength.”

Keeper Andrew Hogg stops the ball from reaching Alfred Effiong.Keeper Andrew Hogg stops the ball from reaching Alfred Effiong.

With Italy expected to dictate the tempo from the outset, Ghedin is almost certain to go with 5-3-2.

Ghedin has not been averse to altering tactics as, in the second half of the 2-0 defeat in Azerbaijan, he adjusted to 4-4-2, but it would be a big surprise were he to start with four at the back.

“In the qualifier against Azerbaijan, we went from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2 because certain situations on the pitch were not working well for us,” Ghedin said.

“It’s all about being flexible and trying to adapt.

“We can’t impose our game at this level but we strive to impose our collective strength.”

Valletta defender Jonathan Caruana and Balzan midfielder Ryan Fenech have not made the trip to Florence as both are sidelined with groin injuries. Balzan captain Dylan Grima pulled out of the squad at the last minute after suffering a knee injury in the team’s final training session at Ta’ Qali on Tuesday evening.

The absence of Caruana means that Steve Borg, now playing for Aris Limassol in Cyprus, is sure to take up one of three centre-half roles alongside Andrei Agius and Zach Muscat.

Clayton Failla will retain his position at left-back with Alex Muscat looking the no.1 contender for the right-back role.

In midfield, Roderick Briffa and Paul Fenech will flank Rowen Muscat while up front, Andrè Schembri is poised to be handed roaming duties behind Effiong or Michael Mifsud.

AEL Kalloni goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, who missed the Bulgaria qualifier in June after suffering a fractured finger during training with his club, is expected to reclaim the no.1 shirt but faces strong competition from Justin Haber who did well in the last two outings.

In an interview with Times of Malta on Tuesday, Schembri, who plays for Omonia Nicosia, claimed that the national team should not be content with creditable showings only but should pursue points.

“It’s good to be self-critical,” Ghedin said of Schembri’s comments.

“It’s good to play well but if we don’t pick up points, it counts for nothing.”

Meanwhile, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is expected to attend this evening’s match together with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Renzi.

Fielding a question about the presence of the distinguished personalities, Ghedin said: “It’s an honour. We will also try to do well for them. I also hope that the fans enjoy the game.”

Previous encounters

World Cup
26-03-2013 Malta vs Italy - 0-2
11-09-2012 Italy vs Malta - 2-0
24-03-1993 Italy vs Malta - 6-1
19-12-1992 Malta vs Italy - 1-2

Euro Championship
13-10-2014 Malta vs Italy - 0-1
24-01-1987 Italy vs Malta - 5-0
06-12-1986 Malta vs Italy - 0-2

Today’s probable formations

Malta (5-3-2): A. Hogg, A. Muscat, Z. Muscat, S. Borg, A. Agius, C. Failla, P. Fenech, R. Briffa, R. Muscat, A. Schembri, A. Effiong/M. Mifsud.

Italy (4-3-3): G. Buffon, M. Darmian, L. Bonucci, G. Chiellini, M. Pasqual, M. Verratti, A. Pirlo, A. Bertolacci, A. Candreva/Vazquez, G. Pellè, Eder.

Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia).

Kick-off: 20.45, Florence.

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