Digimagaz.com – Italy hosted Malta in a thrilling match of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group C on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Stadio San Nicola. The match concluded with Italy, or Gli Azzurri, sealing a resounding 4-0 win over the Maltese side. The Italian squad showcased their prowess, with Giacomo Bonaventura scoring a spectacular goal from the edge of the penalty box in the 22nd minute, setting the stage for a convincing victory.
Italy, under the guidance of Coach Luciano Spalletti, fielded a 4-3-3 formation for the match, with Gianluigi Donnarumma guarding the goalpost. The attacking trio of Domenico Berardi, Gianluca Raspadori, and Moise Kean aimed to dominate the game, while the midfield featured the likes of Nicolo Barella, Manuel Locatelli, and the goal-scorer Bonaventura. The Italian defense, comprising Matteo Darmian, Gianmaria Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni, and Federico Dimarco, held steadfast against Malta’s offensive attempts.
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Italy took the lead early in the 22nd minute when Giacomo Bonaventura. Making a remarkable return to the Italian squad after a three-year absence, struck a brilliant goal from outside the penalty area. The former AC Milan player, who now represents Fiorentina. Found the back of the net in his 16th appearance for Gli Azzurri at the age of 34. Bonaventura’s goal signaled a triumphant return and set the tone for the match.
As the first half continued, Italy’s dominance grew, and they extended their lead just before halftime. Domenico Berardi displayed his prowess with two goals; the first was a curling shot with his left foot from inside the penalty area in the 45+1 minute. And the second came in the 63rd minute, a powerful right-footed strike. Berardi’s clinical finishing left Malta’s defense struggling to contain Italy’s attacking prowess.
The victory was sealed in the dying moments of the game when Davide Frattesi, a substitute player. Scored from outside the penalty area in the 90+4 minute, making it a resounding 4-0 win for Italy. The Italian team’s performance showcased their strong determination and their aim to secure a place in the Euro 2024 tournament.
With this victory, Italy accumulated 10 points in the qualification campaign, having won 3 matches, drawn 1, and lost 1. They currently stand three points behind the group leaders, England. Meanwhile, Malta remains at the bottom of the group with zero points, struggling to find their footing in the competition.
The Italian squad’s next challenge will be on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. When they face a crucial away game against England at Wembley Stadium. This match is expected to be a fierce battle between the top two teams in the group, and Italy will aim to close the gap and potentially take the lead in the standings. On the other hand, Malta will host Ukraine in their next fixture. And they will be looking for their first points of the qualification campaign.
Starting Lineups
Italy (4-3-3) – Coach: Luciano Spalletti
Donnarumma; Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Bonaventura; Berardi, Raspadori, Kean.
Malta (5-3-2) – Coach: Michele Marcolini
Bonello; J Mbong, Apap, Pepe, Muscat, Camenzuli; Yankam, Kristensen, Guillaumier; Montebello, P Mbong.
The match between Italy and Malta showcased Italy’s football prowess as they secured a convincing victory and set their sights on the Euro 2024 tournament. With their star players in fine form, Italy’s supporters are eagerly anticipating their upcoming clash against England. Which promises to be a thrilling encounter in the race for qualification.
