Malta women’s national team coach Manuela Tesse has announced a squad of 23 players ahead of their international friendly match against Italy, set for Friday, 25th October 2024. The match will take place at the Tre Fontane sports facility in Rome, kicking off at 18:15 hrs.
Having concluded their UEFA Women’s Group B3 Qualifiers with strong performances against Northern Ireland and Portugal in July, the friendly against Italy, who are finalists in the Women’s EURO 2025, presents an exciting opportunity for the Maltese players to challenge themselves against high-calibre opposition.
Tesse is likely to use this international window to prepare her squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League, which begins in February, while aiming for a positive performance against Italy that reflects the team’s progress.
The selected squad features a mix of experienced and younger players, though several key members are sidelined due to injuries. Among them are Birkirkara FC goalkeeper Janice Xuereb, who is recovering from ACL surgery, and teammate Stephania Farrugia, who has also been unavailable since September due to a similar injury. Additionally, Ann-Marie Said from Mġarr United and Jade Flask from Swieqi United have been facing injury issues.
Midfielder Rachel Cuschieri is also absent, having recently returned to play with her new club, Genoa.
On a brighter note, Tesse has given Mġarr United defender Abigail Camilleri her first senior call-up.
Goalkeepers
Raisa Costantino (ASD Gelbison Vallo D. Lucania, Italy), Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr United FC), Patricia Ebejer (Mġarr United FC)
Defenders
Abigail Camilleri (Mġarr United FC), Mariah Cardona (Birkirkara FC), Leanne Cefai (Mġarr United), Alexandra Gatt (Durham Cestria FC, England), Emma Lipman (Genoa, Italy), Valentina Rapa (Birkirkara FC), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United), Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara FC)
Midfielders
Brenda Borg (Mġarr United FC), Veronique Mifsud (Mġarr United), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians FC), Gabriella Zahra (Birkirkara FC), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United FC)
Forwards
Haley Bugeja (Inter Milan, Italy), Yulya Carella (Mġarr United), Ylenia Carabott (AFC Fylde, England), Alishia Cassar (Birkirkara FC), Lexine Farrugia (AS Roma, Italy), Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United FC, England), Kailey Willis (Venezia Calcio, Italy)
