Malta coach Michele Marcolini admits he could be overwhelmed by memories being back in Bari, while Italy ‘proved when we are in difficult situations, we give the best of ourselves.’
It kicks off at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Malta are rock bottom of the EURO 2024 qualifying group with zero points, while Italy, England, Ukraine and North Macedonia challenge for qualification.
“We have a few important players missing, as Steve Borg is suspended, while Teddy Teuma and Jodi Jones pulled out injured,” said former Chievo and Bari midfielder Marcolini in his press conference.
“It is a difficult match against a strong Italy side, but I am pleased with everyone’s attitude in the squad. It’s disappointing not to have any points, but we must also be honest and admit who we are up against. We got wins against Luxembourg and Gibraltar in friendlies, so it would be nice to at least get a point in this group.”
Not only is this a return to Italian soil for Marcolini, but also to the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, where he played from 1997 to 2001, making 93 appearances for the club.
“Destiny can provide you some fantastic opportunities and for me it is playing against my national team in my old city. I already glanced over at the net where I scored my first Serie A goal. I still have a lot of friends in Bari and tomorrow will be one of the most emotional moments of my career.
“I also want to take a moment to remember my teammates from that team that we have lost, like Francesco Mancini, Klas Ingesson and Phil Masinga.”
Goalkeeper Mancini died of a heart attack in March 2012, while Swedish midfielder Ingesson succumbed to multiple myeloma in October 2014 and South African striker Masinga died of cancer in January 2019.
“I think all our defeats in this group have been honourable, that we managed to make life difficult for our opponents. I give heart and soul to my team and after eight months in Malta I have understood how things work here. We are gaining experience that will help us in our ultimate aim, which is promotion in the next Nations League.”
It is safe to say that the Italy squad is shaken up going into this match, as new coach Luciano Spalletti only had two games in charge after he was appointed last month, while Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo left the training camp as they are under investigation for a betting scandal.
“When we played Italy in March, I fully expected us to be facing Roberto Mancini again. His departure stunned everyone, but Italy chose a top coach in Spalletti, who achieved something incredible at Napoli last season. When there is a change of management, the players always feel extra responsibility,” explained Marcolini.
“I can imagine the betting scandal was a tough blow for everyone in the Italy camp, but at the same time we Italians have proved many times before that when we are in difficult situations, we react and give the best of ourselves. Just look at the World Cups and Euros we won when we were anything but favourites.”