For this afternoon’s friendly match, 6.15pm at the Tre Fontane in Rome (live on Rai Sport), the Italy coach chooses a very attacking formation (starting 4-4-2 which can become a 4-2- 4) with Glionna and Bonfantini as wingers in midfield and two central strikers like Beccari and Girelli up front. In midfield, Severini will support Greggi in the middle of the field, while behind the central pair will be made up of Lenzini and Piga with Bartoli and Soffia as thirds ahead of Giuliani.
Malta responds with the trident where Willis and Maria Farrugia support Inter player Bugeja. In midfield the new player is 2005 Cassar alongside Borg and Shona Zammit, while leading the defense are two other ‘Italians’ such as Sciberras and Lipman. These are the official lineups:
Italy (4-4-2): Giuliani; Bartoli, Lenzini, Piga, Soffia; Glionna, Severini, Greggi, Bonfantini; Girelli, Beccari. Coach Andrea Soncin
Malta (4-3-3): Ebejer; C. Zammit, Sciberras, Lipman, Xuereb; S. Zammit,, Borg, Cassar; Willis, M. Farrugia, Bugeja. Coach Manuela Tesse