The Italian football players have won the second European Championship qualifier. After the false start against England, national coach Roberto Mancini’s team defeated Malta 2-0 at the National Stadium in Ta’Qali. Italy lost 2-1 to the English in front of their own audience in Naples on Thursday.
In the duel with Malta, Italy took the lead in the fifteenth minute. Mateo Retegui was again accurate. He headed in from a corner kick. Argentina-born Retegui made the only goal for Italy on his debut against England. Matteo Pessina scored the second Italian goal in the 27th minute.
Shortly after the break, Malta came close to scoring. The Italian defense couldn’t clear the ball, but the home team didn’t take advantage. Midway through the second half, substitute Gianluca Scamacca appeared to score for Italy with a bicycle kick, but Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello made the save. Italy had some chances, but failed to expand the score further.
Source: ANP
