This game has a David vs. Goliath feel about it but these Malta vs. Italy predictions do suggest that it will be the Azzurri that will come away happiest. But Italy have faltered before and Roberto Mancini will be keen to avoid any surprises at the Ta’ Qali Stadium on Sunday.
Malta vs. Italy odds
1 – Italy to win to nil – 7/10
2 – Both teams not to score – 11/20
3 – Under 3.5 goals scored – 4/6
4 – Gianluca Scamacca to score anytime
5 – Italy to win by three goals – 10/3
Malta are the big underdogs in Group C and will be looking at other fixtures than the ones against Italy, England and Ukraine for the morale-boosting points in this campaign. But there have been signs of improvement recently and Italian-born head coach Michele Marcolini will want his players to put in a good performance on Sunday.
After kicking off the campaign against one of the surprises of the last few years in North Macedonia, Malta now faces Italy before hosting England in June. No one seriously believes that the Falcons can get anything from these games, but there have been Azzurri upsets before.
Creative midfielder Teddy Teuma will be the main source of inspiration in the Malta side, after his impressive performances for his club side, Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League recently. But Malta will just want to keep opposing goals down to a minimum and should defend deeply in the hope of coming away with a respectable final scoreline.
Roberto Mancini will be looking at this game as a chance to rack up the goals and put a smile back on the faces of Azzurri fans before the Nations League finals in June. A lack of a goal-getting striker shouldn’t be as much of a problem here, but whoever does find the net could lay a claim for future inclusion.
With Ciro Immobile injured – and possibly not coming back to the international fold – Mancini has selected some players who have yet to really get a good look in. So it could be one of those who finds the net on Sunday. West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca has endured a tough year in the English Premier League, so a goal for him could be a massive boost to all concerned.
Italy will be expected to add to their goal difference this weekend. But Malta will look to frustrate the visitors – so a bet on Italy to score under 3.5 goals could be a good idea, although the Azzurri should be backed to win to nil as well.
How to stream Malta vs. Italy
Malta vs. Italy can be watched live on Sunday evening on Viaplay Sports 2 and Viaplay UK with a monthly subscription.
Malta vs. Italy last five matches
Malta last five matches
Malta 0-1 Republic of Ireland – Friendly
Malta 2-2 Greece – Friendly
Malta 2-1 Israel – Friendly
Estonia 2-1 Malta – Nations League
Malta 1-0 San Marino – Nations League
Italy last five matches
Austria 2-0 Italy – Friendly
Albania 1-3 Italy – Friendly
Hungary 0-2 Italy – Nations League
Italy 1-0 England – Nations League
Germany 5-2 Italy – Nations League
Malta top goalscorers
N/A
Italy top goalscorers
N/A
Malta vs. Italy line-ups
Malta (3-4-2-1): Bonnello; Muscat, Apap, Borg; Mbong, Guillaumier, Paiber, Camenzuli; Teuma, Jones; Satariano
Italy (3-4-3): Donnarumma; Bonucci, Acerbi, Romangnoli; Di Lorenzo, Verratti, Jorginho, Spinazzola; Berardi, Scamacca, Gnonto
Malta team news
Michele Marcolini should not have too many injury problems for this first home game of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. But he has had to make do without Enrico Pepe at the back. The experienced Zach Muscat should be able to come in as a replacement.
Italy team news
It will be interesting to see how Roberto Mancini approaches his selection for this one. A victory should be all but assured but he will be wary to field a starting XI that is too inexperienced. A combination of youth and proven players could be the way he goes, allowing Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto another chance to impress on the national stage.