Less than 4,000 tickets are still unsold for next Monday's Euro 2016 clash between Malta and Italy, according to MFA secretary general Bjorn Vassallo. But more were still available for sale for the Norway match next Friday. Vassallo said that 75-80 per cent of the tickets for the Monday match had been sold, while 55-60 per cent of the Norway match tickets were sold, around 1,400 of them to Norwegian fans who are making the trip to Malta for the game at the Ta' Qali National Stadium.
Vassallo said these two matches offer an opportunity for the sporting public to watch and participate in a feast of football with both Norway and Italy including some top world ranked players among their ranks. Vassallo said the two matches are two more opportunities for our team to earn some sort of acknowledgment when it faces nations of a higher standing. Norway, still smarting from their 2-0 home defeat against Italy, will want to put that set- back behind them on Friday. Their playing style tends to rely on physical, combative fare and that puts the onus on our players to face such opposition with equal sturdy play and fruitfully collective tactics. Italy, more accomplished and always prime contenders to qualify from a qualifying group, will be eager to keep up their clean slate. Our national team will be under pressure to perform to the best of their ability against the 'Azzurri' and give the home crowd some- thing to relish.
No doubt, the stands should be bulging with spectators, with the Maltese sup- porters providing an extra fillip to our boys. The MFA secretary said that the association augured that the team will earn the respect from our renowned opponents from the north and especially from the nearby peninsula, adding that this could only be achieved through a polished display of football backed by a positive result.
Important information for those attending both matches
The two matches will kick off at 8.45pm, but the National Stadium will open its doors at 6.30pm on both days. Ticket booths will be open on both sides of the Stadium, only if there are tickets still available for sale. MFA Manager Marketing Norman Saliba, said there are no more tickets available for both the Millennium D and F stands in connection with Monday's match against Italy. Spectators are reminded that admission into the stadium will only be allowed through the turnstiles at the entrances indicated on the ticket in their possession. He laid the emphasis on spectators to present themselves at the turnstiles in possession of the actual ticket or the printed ticket if the purchase was made online. At the West A, B and C stands, ticket holders are to sit on the seat as indicated on their ticket. How- ever, in all other sectors, a free seating policy is being adopted. Saliba also said that for the two matches, there will be some restrictions for the ring roads encircling the stadium. For the Norway match, from 8am onwards, no traffic will be allowed from the roundabout in front of the Millennium Stand to the entrance of the West Stand Car Park. On the eve of the Italy match, that is next Sunday, no traffic will be allowed from the roundabout in front of the Millennium Stand to the entrance of the West Stand Car Park. For the Italy match next Monday from 8am, no traffic will be allowed from the roundabout in front of the Millennium Stand to the point upon leaving the Malta Model Aircraft Association flying site.
Only those in possession of a Reserved Parking Pass will be al- lowed entry into the West Stand and Millennium Stands car parks. Saliba also reminded spectators attending both matches that a strict no alcohol policy is to be observed inside the stadium. On the occasion of the Italy match, thanks to the collaboration of CISK, the national team's gold sponsors, a fan gathering zone is being set up inside the MFCC grounds and this will open at 5pm. There will be enter- tainment, face painting, promo tional offers, etc.
Ghedin names final squad
Justin Haber (Birkirkara FC), Andrew Hogg (Kalloni Lekanopedio), Nicholas Vella (Valletta FC), Andrei Agius (Hi- bernians FC), Steve Bezzina (Balzan), Roderick Briffa (Valletta FC), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema Wander FC), Ryan Camilleri (Valletta FC), Clayton Failla (Hibernians FC), Justin Gri- oli (Balzan FC), Zach Muscat (Birkirkara FC), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians FC), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara FC), Ryan Fenech (Valletta FC), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians FC), John Mintoff (Sliema Wanders FC), Rowen Muscat (Dunaújváros), Steve Pisani (Floriana FC), Andre' Schembri ( FSV Frank- furt), Ryan Scicluna (Birkirkara FC), Michael Mifsud (Sliema FC), Jean Paul Farrugia (Spartak Tr- nava), Terence Vella (Naxxar Lions FC)