Malta coach Pietro Ghedin paid tribute to the fans for their rousing support towards the national team during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Italy in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, played at a packed National Stadium.

“The Maltese supporters were great, I was truly amazed to see that they filled every corner of the stadium.

“They were extraordinary,” Ghedin said.

The Italian was full of praise for his players who made amends for their poor showing in Bulgaria with a determined effort against Italy.

“Before the match, I told the lads to play as a team and make it difficult for them (Italy),” Ghedin said. “They certainly did what was expected of them and I can’t ask for more.”

Although delighted with the performance, Ghedin was left to rue a string of missed opportunities, including a 16th-minute penalty.

Michael Mifsud’s shot from the spot was kept out by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

“I agree that (Michael) Mifsud played well but he missed that penalty,” Ghedin said.

“At the end of the match, he was exhausted and dejected... his head was down in the dressing room. But he (Mifsud) is a very generous player and, having scored 36 goals for the national team, he has already entered Maltese football’s hall of fame.”

Bar the heavy defeat to Bulgaria, the Malta team appear to have raised their standards under Ghedin’s guidance with Italy coach Cesare Prandelli describing their performance as “honourable”.