Malta coach Ghedin excited for Italy test
Malta coach Pietro Ghedin is excited ahead of his side's clash with Italy in Euro 2016 qualifying next week.
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Malta's campaign to reach the 24-team tournament in France started with a 2-0 loss against Croatia last month.
And it does not get any easier for the 155th-ranked nation, with fixtures against Norway and Italy to come in the next week.
Both matches are at home, though, and for Ghedin – a member of Italy's coaching staff from 1996 to 2005 – the visit of Antonio Conte's side will be a special occasion.
"They are two difficult matches," Ghedin told UEFA's official website.
"The first will be more physical, while the second will be more tactical, and I am sure Italy will be very strong.
"Italy have great personality. I always have great feelings as I look back to my days with the Azzurri [Italy] but now I work for Malta.
When asked if Malta fans would see another European Championship qualifying win in this campaign – their last came in 2006 – Ghedin responded: "Yes. We have to make that happen.
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"I am quite upbeat about my squad. The important thing is that my boys are improving all the time and are getting there.
"I am very confident [we will win a game during qualifying]."
Malta have played Italy twice since 2012, losing both matches 2-0.
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