Effortlessly: Azzurri beat Malta

Off the field, the Azzurri against Malta were accompanied by excitement about the Betting affair involving some national team players . Newcastle United legionnaire Sandro Tonali and Galatasaray player Nicolo Zaniolo were excluded from the squad before the game. But the investigation into two of their most important players did not stop the Italians from celebrating a clear win against Malta. The final score in Bari was 4-0.

Despite the mood beforehand, the favorite showed no signs of weakness. Luciano Spalletti had prepared his players well for the stubborn opponent from the Mediterranean island, even though they seemed rebellious, especially in the first few minutes of the game. But the Italians quickly recovered and increasingly shifted the game into the Maltese half. After 23 minutes the bell rang for the first time for a very special goal. The 34-year-old Giacomo Bonaventura shot into the top right corner and scored his first goal in the light blue jersey. This also makes him the oldest player in the Italian national team to score a debut goal.

The fans in the stands had fun. © ANSA / DONATO FASANO

Sassuolo captain Domenico Berardi did the rest almost alone. In stoppage time in the first half, he hammered the ball from the post into the net after a brilliant pass from Nicolo Barella (45+1.), then converted a rebound to make it 3-0 (64.). The matter seemed over, Malta showed no resistance. But the Azzurri didn't have enough. Shortly before the end, Davide Frattesi made it 4-0 with a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area. Italy celebrated, Malta went home beaten.

Admittedly, the small country is not an opponent against which the Squadra Azzurra should measure itself. Such a competitor awaits on Tuesday at 20.45 p.m. as soon as the Three Lions from England challenge the Azzurri.

The results of Group C Italy – Malta 4-0 Goals: 1:0 Bonaventura (23rd), 2:0 Berardi (45+1st), 3:0 Berardi (64th), 4:0 Frattesi (90+3rd)

Ukraine – North Macedonia 2-0 Goals: 1:0 Sudakov (30th), 2:0 Karavaev (90+5th)

The table of Group C Pos Country Games Points 1. England 5 13 2. Italy 5 10 3. Ukraine 6 10 4. Northern Macedonia 6 7 5. Malta 6 0

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Effortlessly: Azzurri beat Malta

As part of the qualification for the 2024 European Championships, Italy met Malta on Saturday evening, with the favorites prevailing without any major problems.

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