Italy have taken a nosedive since former Juventus coach Antonio Conte took charge, and have only won half of their opening six Euro 2016 qualifying games. Fortunately for the Azzurri they're in a relatively easy group, and they're still only two points adrift of leaders Croatia with four games left to play. However, if they're to have any success at all in France next summer (assuming they do make it), they need performances to improve as much as results.
Italy vs. Malta live stream: How to watch Euro 2016 qualifying online
After a narrow victory in their first meeting, Italy will be looking for a more convincing performance against Malta this time around.
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They’ll be looking to start that improvement against minnows Malta on Thursday, with the Mediterranean islanders (or archipelagoers) sitting rock bottom of the qualification group as we head into the final few matches. They’ve picked up just one point from a possible 18 -- only avoiding defeat against Bulgaria -- and on paper don’t stand a chance against the Italians.
When they last met
Having said that, Italy made very hard work of their first game against Malta. They won only 1-0 away at the Ta’Qali National Stadium, failing to add to Graziano Pellè‘s 23rd-minute opener. Indeed, they barely looked like scoring against the minnows, who had captain Michael Mifsud sent off inside half an hour. It was a worryingly impotent performance from Conte’s side, who have struggled for goals throughout his tenure.
Key player: Matteo Darmian (Italy)
It is a damning indictment of the current Italy team that a full-back regularly looks their most dangerous player. Matteo Darmian earned himself Italy's national team player of 2014 award, and this summer sealed a big move from Torino to Manchester United. He's both an excellent defender and a fine attacker, and should cause problems down Malta's left side in this match.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
TV: Fox Sports 1, ESPN2 (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.)
Online: Fox Sports 2Go, Fox Sports Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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