Clinical Italy overcome Malta in women's Euro 2021 qualifier

ITALY           5

Cernoia 27, 37

Sabatino 42

Giugliano 45

Greggi 90

MALTA         0

Four goals in the first half propelled Italy to a 5-0 win over Malta in a Euro 2021 qualifier at the Stadio Teofilo Patini of Castel di Sangro.

Italy struggled to break down the Maltese defence early on but once they found the breakthrough on 27 minutes, they strolled to a comfortable victory.

Malta, on their part, still managed to put an organised display despite crossing swords with the 2019 Women’s World Cup quarter-finalists.

Coach Mark Gatt made one change from the team that drew against Israel as Alishia Sultana was preferred to Nicole Sciberras in midfield.  Italy coach Milena Bertolini started with the trademark 4-4-2 with goalkeeper Laura Giuliani between the sticks on her 50th cap.

The hosts made their intentions clear after four minutes when Daniela Sabatino advanced towards goal but Janice Xuereb blocked her effort.

Moments later, Manuela Giugliano whipped in a low cross but Sabatino missed the ball as the Malta defence cleared the danger.

Italy were loading the offensive third in search for an early lead but the Maltese remained compact and organised, trying to keep the Azzurre at...