Malta exults with its Italian coach: night to remember in Finland

Although long out of the running for qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Malta’s national team can enjoy a star-studded evening, thanks to an away win against Finland. The final 1-0 win, with Jake Grech’s decisive goal in the 81st minute, is the Maltese’s first success in Group G of World Cup qualifying and bears the signature of an Italian head coach, Emilio De Leo.

A born in 1978, a native of Naples, De Leo (strong in his career with collaborations with the Serbian national team, Sampdoria, AC Milan, Torino, Sporting Lisbon and Bologna) began his adventure as coach of the Maltese national team on January 13, 2025, taking over from Davide Mazzotta, who in 2024 had in turn taken over the position on an interim basis after the local federation parted ways with Michele Marcolini. Friday night’s was Malta’s second victory with De Leo at the helm, following a friendly win against San Marino (3-1) last Sept. 9.

against Finland, De Leo fielded from 1′ Henry Bonello of the’Hamrun in goal, Zach Muscat (Chaves), Kurt Shaw (in Italy at Sorrento), Enrico Pepe and Juan Carlos Corbalan (both at Marsaxlokk) in defense, Matthew Guillaumier (Panserraikos) and Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea) in the midfield, Joseph Mbong (Hamrun), Paul Mbong (Cukaricki) and Ylyas Chouaref (Sion) on the three-quarterback and Irvin Cardona (St. Etienne) in attack.

The following players entered in the second half: Adam Overend (midfielder on the Sliema team), Jake Grech (Floriana striker who scored the decisive goal), Gabriel Bohrer Mentz (Gzira defender), Jean Borg (Sliema defender) and Andrea Zammit (Valletta striker). Malta players will receive the applause of their audience on Monday, Nov. 17, in the final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Poland.