The first outing of the latest national U-21 selection could not have been more perfect for coach Ray Farrugia and his team as they overwhelmed visiting Italian regional side ASD Vigor Mellis 7-0 at the Centenary Stadium, yesterday.
With the next UEFA Championship draw coming up later on this month, Farrugia took the oppor-tunity to test his new players and, despite facing modest opponents, he should be satisfied with the commitment and enthusiasm in his group, particularly England-based defenders Harry Davies and Louis Cutajar who were among those making their debuts.
For the record, Malta U-21 were already 4-0 up at the half-time break following goals by Steve Pisani (20), Jean Paul Farrugia (30, 45 pen) and Clyde Borg.
Farrugia effected several changes in the second half and the only two who played the entire 90 minutes were Sacha Borg and Davies. Still, the locals were strong enough to add three other goals to their tally through Daren Falzon, Daniel Zerafa and Lydon Micallef.
The next assignment for Malta Under-21 will be another friendly against Austria, at the Hibs Ground, on February 6.
Starting formations
Malta U-21: Y. Cini, S. Borg, Z. Muscat, L. Cutajar, H. Davies, B. Farrugia, C. Borg, S. Pisani, T. Agius, R. Camenzuli, J.P. Farrugia.
Vigor Mellis: S. Ottaviani, L. Sisti, M. Mattiuzzo, J. Scafetta, A. Pierro, A. Miele, M. Failla, W. Stefanini, M. Cicoira, I. Failla, S. De Vincentis.
Referee: Kevin Azzopardi.