The 2014 World Cup qualifier between Italy and Malta will be played in Modena on September 11.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to host the match, the Azzurri’s first home outing in the World Cup qualifiers, at the Alberto Braglia Stadium to show solidarity with those hit by the earthquake in the Emilia Romagna region.

“The national team in Emilia (on) Tuesday, September 11 for the first home game of the new season, as testimony of solidarity and participation after the drama of the earthquake,” a statement on the FIGC website said.

“The FIGC has decided that the official game Italy-Malta will be played in Modena.”

According to the FIGC, the stadium in Modena is the only one in the region that meets the criteria set by FIFA and UEFA for international matches.

“The presence of the Azzurri in Emilia – the FIGC president Giancarlo Abete has commented – responds to the desire of all of us, officials, technical staff and players, to bring a sincere demonstration of affection to the populations hit by the earthquake,” the FIGC statement added.

After the summer break, Italy, who reached the final of Euro 2012 where they lost 4-0 to Spain in Kiev, will play a friendly match against England in the Swiss city of Berne on August 15.

The Azzurri will open their World Cup campaign with an away match against Bulgaria on September 7 while Malta host Armenia.

As part of the build-up for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the MFA have launched the Goal Card initiative, a block ticket for Malta’s home matches.

Apart from Italy and Armenia, the other teams in Malta’s group are Denmark, Czech Republic and Bulgaria.

The benefits of the Goal Card include a reduction in the overall price on what a spectator would pay when purchasing tickets on matchday and the guarantee of a seat for the eagerly-awaited Malta-Italy qualifier, to be played at the National Stadium on March 26, 2013.