Women’s coach Gatt eyes further improvement

The Malta women’s team will play their fourth UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 qualifier when they host Israel at the Centenary Stadium today (Thursday) at 17.00.  Ranked 63rd in the world, Israel opened their campaign with two home games against group favourites Italy (2-3) and Denmark (0-3). With Malta coming from a bold performance in a 2-0 home defeat to Italy in their last qualifier, Mark Gatt, the national women’s coach, is eyeing further improvement from his team against Israel. “Obviously, the key aspect is to maintain our improvement,” Gatt told www.mfa.com.mt. “In our opening three qualifiers, against Denmark, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy, we improved game after game and this is crucial for our growth. “We are looking more confident now and hopefully this will lead us to the next phase of our development plan which is about finalising our attacks and scoring goals.” Gatt believes that the Maltese team can pose more of an attacking threat if they make better use of possession. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to attack more but it is about the decisions we make when in possession,” Gatt explained. “If one takes the Italy game into account, one can see that we had our chances but we failed to make the most of them. “It is something we will strive to change against Israel. Needless to say that Israel have a good team and they will offer a very stern test but we are confident of creating more scoring opportunities.” Gatt has selected six foreign-based players in his squad, including Pink Bari’s Shona Zammit who scored her first ever Serie A goal in her team’s 1-1 draw against Inter. BUOYANT ZAMMITZammit, 24, is already a valuable member of Gatt’s side despite her young age. Prior to her move to Italy, she had been a pivotal figure for Hibernians. Her switch to Italy’s top-flight is already paying dividends as she is becoming an important figure at the Puglia-based side. “A lot of people are coming to watch Pink Bari games and this is a massive boost for the players representing the club,” Zammit said. “My goal against Italy was unexpected – these are moments you can’t plan for. Starting the game at this level is already a positive things, so whenever you are given the chance you have to make the most of it.” Zammit hopes to extend her club form into these intenational commitments in order to help the Maltese team build on their recent performance against Italy. “The home performance against Italy enhanced our confidence,” Zammit said. “In the coming games against Israel and Italy away, we will be looking to make ourselves proud and continue to earn respect on the international stage.” Malta will wrap up the double-header with a trip to Italy where they will face the Azzurre in Castel Di Sangro on Tuesday, November 12 (kick-off: 14.15).