Malta coach Petro Ghedin said today that Malta will seek a creditable result when it faces Italy in a World Cup qualifier in Modena tomorrow.

Speaking shortly before the Malta squad held its first training session, Ghedin said this would be a difficult game for Malta since Italy was one of the strongest football nations in the world.

Malta's objective, he said, was to give a strong performance and for the team to leave the ground with its heads held high.

Any applause would be a bonus, he added.

Italy is under pressure for a strong result against Malta after a disappointing performance last Friday which resulted in a 2-2 against Bulgaria.

Ghedin said he expects a better performance by Malta after the 0-1 defeat against Armenia. He was disappointed, he said, that Malta did not create more attacking chances, something which he hoped would be remedied tomorrow.

He hinted that Malta would revert to a 4-4-2 formation with Andre' Schembri joining Michael Mifsud up front.

Asked about his relationship with compatriot Italian coach Prandelli, Ghedin said they had an excellent rapport and he viewed him as 'an honest man, a gentleman'. 

Malta Captain Michael Mifsud said Italy were under pressure to achieve a strong result after last week's disappointment and he hoped that the Italian focus on attack could give him space at the other end of the pitch.  

Asked how important it would be for him to score against Italy he said: "It will mean a lot for me, for my country and for my team, but the important thing is that we do well as a team."

Meanwhile a chartered flight with Maltese supporters will land in Modena tomorrow morning. The flight was organised by the Southend Core. A number of other Malta supporters have already travelled to Modena on a Ryanair flight to Bologna.

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