Andrei Agius, one of Malta’s most impressive players in Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Armenia, needs no reminding that tomorrow’s clash with Italy will be a gruelling experience for him and his team-mates but the Latina defender is unfazed by the challenge.
After Bulgaria, Italy will be more determined to beat us in Modena- Andrei Agius
“This has to be the biggest game of my career so far,” Agius told The Times before the Malta squad left for Italy yesterday afternoon.
“Italy did very well in Euro 2012 where they reached the final against Spain and are currently sixth in the FIFA rankings.
“I’m looking forward to the game as Italy are one of the best teams in the world. We have to be objective about our targets for the match as we all know what we’re in for.”
Understandably, optimism is in short supply in the Maltese camp ahead of their date with Italy but the prospect of facing a footballing powerhouse ought to be a source of great motivation for the ‘underdogs’. Agius certainly thinks so.
“If this game doesn’t motivate you as a footballer, then you’ve got a problem,” he said.
A mainstay of the Malta defence for much of the past four years, Agius has consolidated his reputation as a strong and intelligent player with bold displays in the three games – friendlies against Luxembourg and San Marino and the qualifier against Armenia – the national side have played under Pietro Ghedin.
Undoubtedly, Italy will present a different, tougher test for Malta’s defence but Agius said his preparation will be normal.
“I’m preparing myself like I do for other games,” the 26-year-old remarked.
“We have to remain concentrated all 90 minutes because this will be a very difficult match.
“After Bulgaria, Italy will be more determined to beat us in Modena and that further complicates our task.”
A positive result against Armenia would have enhanced the confidence of the Maltese players ahead of tomorrow’s qualifier at Modena’s Alberto Braglia Stadium but Agius said the mood is still upbeat.
“The morale is still high,” Agius said.
“It is natural to harbour some concerns and question marks about Tuesday but we have to approach this game without fear and inhibition.”
Agius is of the opinion that Malta’s lack of self-belief was to blame for their upset to Armenia.
“As for the team’s performance, I thought we made a good start to the second half but, perhaps, we gave our opponents too much respect,” Agius said.
“We shouldn’t hold back in international games. We must embrace our fears and strive to think positive as that’s the only way we can perform to the maximum of our abilities. We must make a step forward not backward.”
In the 2-2 draw against Bulgaria, Pablo Osvaldo, who scored Italy’s two goals, led the forward line with Sebastian Giovinco playing behind.
It remains to be seen whether Italy will stick with the Osvaldo-Giovinco tandem tomorrow as reports in the Italian media suggest that Mattia Destro is also in contention to start.
“They are all world-class players,” Agius said of the Italy strikers.
“In the game against Bulgaria, the two forwards were Osvaldo and Giovinco. Theirs is a versatile partnership because Osvaldo is direct and has a physical presence while Giovinco is more creative and offers rapidity.
“There is also Destro who is a very good player.”
Having recently renewed his contract with Serie C1 side Latina, Agius is aware that a top-notch performance in tomorrow’s qualifier would raise his profile in Italian football.
“It can help me,” Agius said.
“In footballing terms, I am a product of Italy because I’ve spent most of my professional career there.
“I’m under contract with Latina. There is no doubt that this World Cup qualifier is a good opportunity to show my worth but I’m only thinking about doing well to help my team.”