Weather conditions spoil lively encounter

February 10, 1971 was a cold and stormy day more compatible perhaps, with the wintry weather in central Europe than those of the Mediterranean.

The conditions were certainly not ideal for football and the majority of the Maltese football punters preferred to stay warm and cosy at home than face the discomforts of the Empire Stadium.

The continuous rain and the icy wind which blew across the ground forced the small, shivering crowd of spectators, which braved the weather, to huddle up in every nook and corner of the old ground.

The occasion nowadays, even in the best of conditions, would hardly raise an eyebrow.

In 1971, however, a representative match between Malta U-23 and the Italian Amateurs was still attractive enough to fill the stadium. The adverse conditions, however, spoilt what should have been a very interesting fixture.

It was obvious from the start that on the treacherous pitch of the stadium defenders would hold the edge over attackers. Italian midfielders, Guidi and Invernici, in particular, stood out as they strove hard to dominate this sector.

Malta's midfield, like that of the Italians, was by far the best department although one must mention the fine play of full-back Charlie Scerri of Zebbug Rangers who spurred the team with his runs down the flanks.

He also raised the biggest cheer of the afternoon with a fine shot which goalkeeper Domenghini just tipped over the bar after 35 minutes.

The game, on the whole, was dominated by the dour, hard tackling of the Italians. Their style of play was typical of what we were used to see in the Italian league.

Italy's game was built on a strong defensive set-up, an industrious midfield and a couple of fast strikers waiting patiently for the half chance to counter attack.

In the first half, Malta did all the pressing and goalkeeper Robert Gatt was hardly ever troubled. However, as time passed and the conditions grew worse the stronger Italians began to take control.

They were still cautious but did not shy away from using their bag of tricks to stop an opponent from getting into a favourable position. Twice chunky full-back Verberte unceremoniously tripped Grech before he could do any damage.

In the second half the Italians were in a class of their own. They had most of the possession but were never really dangerous. The only time that Gatt was seriously tested was when he had to dive to save a 40-yard drive from Guidi.

Then, a little later, full-back Pancini overlapped on the right but his perfect centre was missed by both defenders and attackers.

Malta replied in kind and both Gatt and Grech missed easy chances.

The hosts pressed for a breakthrough and it nearly came in the dying moments.

Xuereb shot at goal with Domenghini out of his charge but in nipped Verberte to clear off the fatal line.

It should have been the winner but then, perhaps, it would have been asking too much of providence.

For the record

10-02-1971 - The Empire Stadium, Gzira
Friendly representative match
Malta U-23 vs Italy Amateurs 0-0

Malta U-23: Gatt, Mifsud, Scerri, Briffa, Pace, Spiteri, Grech, Gatt, Farrugia, Xuereb, Brincat (Falzon).

Italy Amateurs: Domenghini, Pancini, Verberte, Ferrarese, Spinelli, Invernici (Ossellarme), Giannini, Guidi, Oldoni (Nessi), Tassenari, Urbani.

Referee: Richard Stagno Navarra.