Throwback – Malta draw with Italy U23s in 1958 friendly

On this day in 1958 (15th May), the Maltese national team played a friendly match against the Italy Under-23 side in front of a crowd of over 12,000 spectators at the Empire Stadium. This was Malta’s third international match following the team’s official debut in the friendly against Austria just over a year earlier. The game ended 1-1 with Tony Cauchi scoring Malta’s equaliser from the penalty spot early in the second half after Gino Bertucco, who was on the books of Napoli, had put the Italians ahead on the stroke of half-time. Bertucco had cut inside from the left before hitting a powerful drive that went in via the upright. Malta levelled early in the second half after being awarded a penalty as Joe Cini’s cross was handled by Italian player Tagliavini. Cauchi made no mistake from the spot as Malta, with Joe Cilia putting on an excellent performance. The Italy Under-23 selection featured players from clubs such as Juventus, Inter, Torino, Roma and Fiorentina. MALTA LINE-UPRay Cosby, Ġużi Bonnici, Charles Brincat, Jack Grech, Joe Cilia, Salvinu Schembri, Joe Cini, Sammy Nicholl, Lolly Borg, Tony Cauchi, Pullu Demanuele (Josie Urpani).Coach – Joe Griffiths. Referee: Alfred Bond (England).