Andrei Agius is bracing himself for a gruelling encounter with Italy but the Hibernians defender is cautiously upbeat that Malta will be up for the challenge in Florence, tonight.

“This game is important for us but we know that it’s going to be very difficult,” Agius said.

“We are meeting an Italy side who are determined to win at all costs because they want to make up ground on Croatia who are leading the group.

“We have worked well in training and we know what we need to do during the match. I believe that we are well-prepared.”

Agius’s views were echoed by goalkeeper Andrew Hogg who said: “Every game carries a lot of signi-ficance for us. As a squad, we always seek to produce a strong performance.

“We are all determined to give our best.”

Inevitably, Agius was questioned about his lengthy stint in Italian football as the 29-year-old turned out for a multitude of lower-league clubs, including Latina, Messina, Melfi and Sassari Torres.

At the conference preceding the home Euro 2016 Group H qualifier against Italy in October, Agius had alluded to the financial difficulties plaguing many clubs in Italy as one of the reasons why he decided to return to Maltese football where he won his first Premier League title with the Paolites.

Asked by an Italian journalist whether he would consider returning to the ‘jungle’ that is Italian football, Agius provided a terse reply.

“If a good opportunity comes along, why not,” Agius said.