Malta’s Under-21 national team earned a well-deserved 1–0 victory in their first of two friendly matches against San Marino, thanks to a lively and attacking display.
Malta started the game strongly, passing the ball around confidently and creating early chances. Andy Borg took the first shot from distance, but it was comfortably saved by San Marino’s goalkeeper Fabio Borasco. Moments later, Nicholas Agius and Joshua Pitts had free-kick attempts, but both were stopped by the keeper.
San Marino had their first real chance midway through the first half when Diego Zavoli headed over from a corner. Later, a free-kick from Gabriel Capicchioni struck the crossbar after being tipped by Malta goalkeeper Hugo Sacco. Before the break, Joshua Pitts nearly gave Malta the lead, but again Borasco denied him.
In the second half, Malta increased their tempo and continued pressing for a goal. Nathan Cross had a header saved early on. The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Kean Scicluna – who had just come on – headed in a great cross from the right to give Malta a well-earned lead.
Malta continued to push for a second. Isaiah Chukunyere caused problems on the right, while Sven Xerri went close with a powerful shot that narrowly missed. San Marino had a late chance with a throw-in deep in Malta’s half, but the Maltese defence stayed strong. On the counter-attack, Chukunyere broke through but sent his shot just wide.
Malta held on for a solid win. The two teams will face each other again on Saturday 7 June at Campo di Acquaviva, with kick-off at 6:00 pm.
San Marino line-up:
Fabio Borasco (GK), Simone Gasperoni, Riccardo Zafferani, Diego Zavoli, Marco Casadei, Gabriel Capicchioni, Marco Gasperoni (C), Nicolo Chiaruzzi, Tommy Cervellini, Giulio Maria Bugli, Bartolomeo Riggioni
Substitutes: Della Balda, Guerro, Protti, Ciacci, Tamagnini, Mularoni, Molinari
Coach: Matteo Cecchetti
Malta line-up:
Hugo Sacco (GK), Mattias Ellul, Andy Borg, Joshua Pitts, Nicholas Agius, Nathan Cross, Jake Micallef (C), Alfie Bridgman, Benjamin Hili, Jake Grech, Brooklyn Borg
Substitutes: Daniel Letherby, Malik Amin, Sven Xerri, Isaiah Chukunyere, Zak Barbara, Gunner Elliott, Antiago De Flavia, Kean Scicluna
Coach: Davide Mazzotta
Referee: Mattia Andruccioli
Yellow cards: Zavoli (SMR), Della Balda (SMR), Elliott (MLT)
