MALTA U-21-0, ITALY U-21 B-5

Malta's U-21 team suffered a 5-0 defeat to Italy U-21 'B' in a friendly match this evening at the Hibs Stadium.

Ray Farrugia's boys did reasonably well in the first half which ended 2-0 in Italy's favour but the second period was dominated by the visiting team who scored another three goals for a 5-0 victory.

Italy went close after 20 minutes when Giorgio Capece's angled drive shook the crossbar.

Malta missed a good chance when Bjorn Kristensen passed to Terence Vella inside the box but the forward was closed down by the Italy defenders.

On 27 minutes, Italy nosed ahead when Ascoli forward Simone Zaza, on loan from Sampdoria, beat Steve Sultana with a low shot from just outside the box.

Malta made a reaction but it was Italy who increased their lead when captain Riccardo Brosco headed Daniele Baselli's free-kick into the net four minutes from half-time.

On the stroke of the half-time, Ryan Camenzuli burst his way through the Italy defence with a sizzling run but his central effort was saved by Alessandro Iacobucci.

Seconds later, Sultana did well to block Zaza's close-range header.

Italy sealed the issue close to the hour mark when Pietro Iemmello's shot from outside the box was deflected past Daniel Balzan, who replaced Sultana at the start of the second half.

Manuel Pucciarelli hit the crossbar with a strong shot from outside the box while Malta's Daren Falzon was wide with an angled drive after his initial free-kick had been blocked by Italy's defensive well.

Malta captain Rowen Muscat produced a firm shot which sailed just wide of a post.Six minutes from time, Italy extended their lead when Manuel Giandonato's brilliant free-kick had the better of Balzan.

Two minutes later, Riccardo Improta fired in goal no.5 following a solo run.