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MALTA vs ITALY 0-2

Published: 27-03-2013 05:55
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Malta went down 0-2 to football giants and group leaders Italy in another 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Qualifier. A packed Ta’ Qali National Stadium with flags and banners all over the place greeted both teams as they set foot on the pitch from the tunnel.  Although Italy enjoyed more possession during the first half, Malta were generally solid at the back and gave the Italians something to think about when they moved forward. Following a steady start by the locals, came the 12th minute when defender Luke  Dimech floored spiky-haired El Sharaway inside the area and Mario Balotelli scored from the resultant penalty.    Malta were by no means surrendering after this and barely 3 mins had passed when  Briffa went past two opponents and served Schembri on the left inside the area. Buffon barged in and floored Schembri. Referee awarded a penalty but Buffon escaped at least a booking. Mifsud takes the spot-kick to the right of Buffon who pulls off a diving save. On the 19 min mark Michael Mifsud swept past Bonucci and hit a 20-metre shot against the bar with Buffon looking on. Malta cursed their luck  Two minutes after Balotelli shot past Haber’s right-hand post. in the 29th minute, Clayton Failla brought the best out of Buffon as the Italian goalkeeper dived full length to his left to turn a low 30-metre free-kick to corner. Notwithstanding this positive spell by the boys in red, Malta conceded a second goal right on the 45 minute mark when El Sharaway ran for a through ball on the left and played ball back to Balotelli who whipped past Haber. The Italians again enjoyed swathes of possession in the second half, with Pirlo masterminding their approach work. However, a resolute Malta held firm in midfield and at the back, with chances being restricted for both teams. Haber did not have any difficult shots to deal with.  Though they may not have had plenty of possession, Malta were however always willing to move forward with cogent play.  Line-ups; Malta – J. Haber, J. Caruana, R. Camilleri, A Muscat, G. Sciberras, L. Dimech, C. Failla, R. Briffa, E. Herrera, A. Schembri, M. Mifsud Italy– G. Buffon, I. Abate, A. Barzagli, L. Bonucci, M. Sciglio, R. Montolivo, A. Pirlo, C Marchisio, E Giaccheroni, El Sharaway, M Balotelli.