Both beaten in their opening game of Euro 2024 qualifying, Malta and reigning European champions Italy meet in Ta’Qali on Sunday.

While the hosts lost 2-1 to the Italians’ World Cup playoff nemesis North Macedonia, their neighbours suffered a home defeat to Group C favourites England.

2006 (W16, D4), including six straight wins potentially giving them ammunition to avoid an upset.

Players to watch: Yankam Yannick netted on his international debut against North Macedonia, and he’s now found the net in consecutive competitive games.

Mancini likened Mateo Retegui to legendary Argentine striker Gabriel Batistuta and he didn’t disappoint, scoring on his international debut for his 12th goal in the last 13 matches for club and country.

Hot stat: Italy have scored first in each of their last eight H2Hs.

Malta Euro Champ Qualifying form:

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Malta form (all competitions):

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Italy Euro Champ Qualifying form:

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Italy form (all competitions):

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Malta possible starting lineup:

Bonello; Attard, S. Borg, Apap; J. Mbong, Kristensen, Guillaumier, Yankam, Camenzuli; Teuma; Satariano

Italy possible starting lineup:

Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Scalvini, Romagnoli, Spinazzola; Cristante, Verratti, Tonali; Politano, Retegui, Gnonto

Malta 0-2 Italy

Italy were unimpressive as an attacking force in their Euro qualifying opener, but a number of fringe players – such as Gnonto, Grifo and Politano – could now come to the fore against less demanding opponents. Malta may have shown signs of improvement, but denying the Azzurri victory this weekend is a feat beyond their wildest dreams.