by Malta will be facing Italy at the Tre Fontane Stadium in Rome this Friday, with kick-off set at 18:15. Manuela Tesse spoke about the objectives and the selection, including naming a mix of experienced and fresh faces, while dealing with a number of injuries to a few usual starters. The Italian called on those in the twenty-three to make good on their place, while keeping the door open for those willing to step up to the challenge.
Objectives For Friendly & Key Selection Points
The Malta Women’s National team will be heading to Italy with every intention of building on their balanced identity under Manuela Tesse.
Probed about the objective for this friendly against the side who have already qualified for the UEFA Women’s EURO to be held in Switzerland next summer, Tesse replied, “Our objective remains unchanged from our last match against Portugal: to play proactively and not focus only on defending – this is our philosophy. The team’s priority will be on maintaining balance between attack and defence.”
“In light of the absence of some key players, the friendly match against Italy presents a significant opportunity for the new players to step up and showcase their abilities. It’s their chance to prove what they can bring to the team and make an impression as we continue to build for the future,” said Manuela Tesse.
The tail end of the UEFA Women’s European Qualifications held between March and July have resulted in a fair amount of injuries to key players, which has consistently called on others to step up to the level. Probed about the notable absence of Ann-Marie Said, Maya Lucia and Sara Saliba, Malta’s coach confirmed their injuries compound those of Janice Xuereb and Stephania Farrugia.
“Unfortunately, we are facing this challenge with several key players unavailable. These include Sara Saliba, Ann-Marie Said, and Maya Lucia who are sidelined due to injuries along with others like Janice Xuereb and Stephania Farrugia.”
Veteran Rachel Cuschieri will also be missing from the midfield, with the Italian coach referencing a niggling injury, as well as the player having only recently returned to action with Genoa following the passing of her mother.
On the other hand, Manuela Tesse declined to comment on specific other absences from the list, but continued to motivate players who did not make the cut to fight for a place in the team. She said “Other players may not be in the squad this time but as I always emphasise, the doors to the national squad are open to all the players.”
She continued, “The squad selection is based on many factors, not least the player’s performances, form and physical condition. We have another friendly match scheduled for November and this will offer another opportunity to all the players to push for a place in the squad.”
Malta’s Selection Against Italy
Indeed the selection features a number of new names who have earned the shot to make a claim for a more permanent spot ahead of the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League cycle to be initiated in February. They are joined by a balance of returning faces who continue to earn a recurring place.
There are three young faces lined up to defend Malta’s goalposts. Raisa Costantino (Gelbison) returns to the fray, together with Mgarr United duo Giulia D’Antuono and Patricia Ebejer.
The defence selection will feature the returning captain Emma Lipman (Genoa) and Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara), along with the other experienced defender Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United). Birkirkara’s Valentina Rapa also keeps her place following impressive showings alongside Charlene Zammit at the heart of the Stripes defence. They are joined by the Mgarr United duo Abigail Camilleri and Leanne Cefai who make the final selection with the two having continued to seal a more permanent partnership at the centre of the Greens’ defence this season.
Alexandra Gatt continues to make a claim for a spot in the first team with recurring selections, having also continued to hit the marks with Durham Cestria. Birkirkara’s Mariah Cardona completes the defensive line-up following an increasingly key role with Malta’s defending champions this season.
The midfield continues to feature the most consistent line-up for Malta. Mgarr United’s Brenda Borg, Hibernians’ Nicole Sciberras and Swieqi United’s Shona Zammit are among those more familiar with the Italian team, having faced them previously. They are joined by Veronique Mifsud (Mgarr United) and veteran Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara) who complete the selection.
In attack, Haley Bugeja (Inter Milan), Lexine Farrugia (Roma) and Kailey Willis (Venezia) will be among the most familiar for the Italian team with the trio all plying their trade in Italy. Maria Farrugia has taken international form into her new club Sheffield United and will be another of those who has already faced the Italian side in the past, with an eye to improve on Malta’s previous record.
They are joined by Birkirkara’s Alishia Cassar who continues to find the net for the defending champions and Assikura Women’s League top-scorer Yulya Carella (Mgarr United). Returning to the fray since February will also be Ylenia Carabott who has had a positive start to life with AFC Fylde in England and will bring the most experience to the forward line.
The match will be played at the Tre Fontane Stadium in Rome on Friday 25th October, with kick-off set at 18:15.
Lead Image: Dorienne Grech
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