Balotelli brace sinks Malta
Although Italy came away from Malta with all three points, the hosts played well enough to acquit themselves, giving their guests a very hard time for much of the game.
ITALY
Last Game
Stories
Italy expected to deliver a Maltese thrashing
Italy won't have any problems in staying at the top of their qualifying group with this trip to minnows Malta.
Cerci and De Sciglio given debut Italy call-ups
Both Torino's Alessio Cerci and Milan's Mattia De Sciglio have been included in an Italy squad for the first time, as they prepare to face Brazil and Malta.
Italy get late equaliser against the Netherlands
Marco Verratti scored a late equaliser to give Italy a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, after Jeremain Lens had put them in the lead.
A youthful tint to Holland - Italy
While Holland crashed out of Euro 2012 in the group stages, Italy exceeded expectations by making it all the way to the final. Yet both sides must examine their weaknesses, letting go of the old guard and giving youth a chance to shine.
Game Time Thread: France vs. Italy
Ah, just what we need before an incredibly important part of the schedule — an international friendly! Hooray! /grumbles Yes, Italy and France will be meeting for a mid-week friendly just days...
Italy and France face off in Parma
Two teams with self-imposed bans to some of their key players will clash as France take on Italy in Parma.
Buffon out, De Sanctis in for Italy vs Denmark
A late fitness test revealed that Gigi Buffon is unfit to play against Denmark tonight, so Morgan De Sanctis will deputize in goal for Italy.
Italy beat Armenia, take top of Group B
Armenia gave Italy some trouble in Yeravan, but in the end, the Azzurri managed to collect all three points.
Armenia hope to hold back Italy
Italy haven't gotten off to the brightest of starts in World Cup qualifying, but hope to shake up an Armenia side that's been forced to make a few changes.
Italy Vs. Malta, 2014 World Cup Qualifying: Game Time And TV Schedule
Italy were poor on Friday, but the good news for them is that there won't be anyone worried about how quickly they bounce back. They should win comfortably against Malta.
Roster
Italy Roster
| # | Pos. | |
|---|---|---|
| Alberto Aquilani | Midfielder | |
| Alessandro Diamanti | Midfielder | |
| Andrea Barzagli | Defender | |
| Andrea Pirlo | Midfielder | |
| Andrea Ranocchia | Defender | |
| Angelo Palombo | - | Midfielder |
| Antonio Cassano | Forward | |
| Antonio Di Natale | Forward | |
| Antonio Nocerino | Midfielder | |
| Christian Abbiati | Goalkeeper | |
| Christian Maggio | Defender | |
| Claudio Marchisio | Midfielder | |
| Cristian Maggio | - | Midfielder |
| Daniele De Rossi | Midfielder | |
| Domenico Criscito | - | Defender |
| Fabio Borini | Forward | |
| Fabio Cannavaro | - | Defender |
| Federico Balzaretti | Defender | |
| Federico Peluso | Defender | |
| Francesco Acerbi | Defender | |
| Gianluca Zambrotta | - | Defender |
| Gianluigi Buffon | Goalkeeper | |
| Giorgio Chiellini | Defender | |
| Giuseppe Rossi | - | Forward |
| Ignazio Abate | Defender | |
| Leonardo Bonucci | Defender | |
| Mario Balotelli | Forward | |
| Mauro German Camoranesi | - | Midfielder |
| Morgan De Sanctis | Goalkeeper | |
| Nicola Legrottaglie | Defender | |
| Pablo Osvaldo | Forward | |
| Riccardo Montolivo | Midfielder | |
| Salvatore Bocchetti | - | Defender |
| Salvatore Sirigu | - | Goalkeeper |
| Sebastian Giovinco | Forward | |
| Simone Pepe | Midfielder |
