Italy's New Trident Destroys Malta, England's Next Target

JAKARTA - Italy showed their best performance when they destroyed Malta's weak 4-0 team in the Euro 2024 qualifying Group C match at the Comunale San Nicola Stadium, Sunday, October 15 in the morning WIB. Italy also overshadowed and made England its next target.

Italy was hit hard when its players, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo, were suspected of illegal gambling. As a result, they were investigated by the police and returned to their respective clubs.

Not only faced with a football case that tarnished the face of Italian football as well as match fixing, but Gli Azzurri also lost many players.

Striker Ciro Immobile was forced to miss due to injury. Likewise Federico Chiesa, Mateo Retegui, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano could not join the national team.

Coach Luciano Spalletti also had to overhaul the squad against Malta. Especially in the front sector by preparing a new trident that places Giacomo Raspadori as the spearhead.

He was supported by Domenico Berardi and Moise Kean. The result turned out to be disappointing. Berardi scored a brace in that match.

In that match, Italy completely dominated. They immediately pressed the opponent's defense which had never been points because they always lost.

Defender Gianluca Mancini had threatened Malta's goal when the game had only been running for five minutes. However, his header that welcomed Raspadori's corner still hit the post.

Italy had to wait until the middle of the first half to break into Malta's goal through Giacomo Bonaventura in the 23rd minute. The 34th-year-old's goal came when he fired a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net without being reached by the Maltese goalkeeper.

This was Bonaventura's first goal in three years playing for the national team. He also set a record for being the oldest Italian player to score his first goal for The Nazionale.

After that goal, Italy played more aggressively against the opponent's defense. As a result, the second goal was created through Berardi in first-half injury time. The score changed to 2-0 and closed the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, Italy played consistently pressing the opponent. They had a number of chances, but failed to become goals.

Raspadori's shot has not succeeded in adding goals. Likewise, Alessandro Bastoni's header is still off the mark and Berardi's header which goalkeeper Henry Bonello can thwart.

But Berardi finally managed to add goals as well as score a brace in the 63rd minute. The forward Sassuolo put Italy 3-0 up.

Furthermore, Davide Frattesi completed the hosts' victory towards the end of the match. Italy also won with a big score.

The result made Italy stay in second place with 10 points. The same as Ukraine, which beat Macedonia 2-0.

However, Italy is indeed ahead of the goal difference. They also still have one game left. Meanwhile, England is at the top of the standings with 13 points.

Victory over Malta in the midst of chaos makes the confidence of Italian players even thicker. They are also ready to face England in a big match at Wembley Stadium, Wednesday, October 18 in the morning WIB.

Italy makes England its next target. In the first duel at home, Italy must recognize England's lead 2-1.

The competition in the group is indeed tight because no team has yet passed. England and Italy are predicted to qualify for the finals.