With the start of the UEFA U-17 Championship fast approaching, the pool of experts in charge of the Maltese side, spearheaded by coach Sergio Soldano and technical director Robert Gatt, are hoping that the team’s participation in this year’s Roma Caput Mundi tournament will pep up their preparations for the big event in May.
Malta’s adventure began yesterday in the mundane ground of AS Lariano, on the outskirts of Rome.
In their opening Group B match, the Maltese youngsters had to contend with the physical challenge of the England Colleges FA U-18 National Team and came through the test with flying colours, winning 5-3.
Soldano’s boys were in control for most of the game, surging into a commanding five-goal lead.
Christian Degabriele, of Pietà Hotspurs, and Sliema Wanderers forward Aidan Friggieri gave Malta a 2-0 half-time cushion.
Ħamrun Spartans starlet Jake Grech, a dynamic figure in midfield, made it 3-0 with a crisp grounder early in the second half and further goals from Kyrian Nwoko, of St Andrew’s, and Dega-briele wrapped up victory for Malta.
The English youngsters never gave up hope though.
Their late efforts produced three goals with 18-year-old Declan Watson, a second-half substitute, helping himself to a double as a series of substitutions halted Malta’s momentum.
Soldano was pleased with his side’s performance.
“It was a good test for us,” the Argentine mentor said.
“The boys approached the game knowing that we can do well. The English players were very strong physically as most of them were born in 1996.
“We did well today and scored a couple of good goals.
“But, more importantly, we showed the right team spirit. After going 5-0 up, the players eased off a bit and that was evident. I wasn’t really happy that we conceded three goals.
“Overall, it was a useful outing which should lift the team’s confidence for this tournament.”
This afternoon, Malta meet the Italian U-18 amateur selection, at the Comunale Stadium in Artena.
The final group game is against San Marino tomorrow.
The teams in Group A are Greece, Romania, Albania and a Lazio selection.
Other result: U-18 Italy Amateurs vs San Marino 2-0.