Tiny Malta was no match for a super strong Italy yesterday in the final match of the day as the tournament got underway at the Tal-Qroqq Pool.

As was to be expected, Malta was rarely given a chance to have a pot at goal - they only scored once - and the Italians could cruise home to a very comfortable win.

In the first session, the Italians had already taken command as they led 5-0 with goals from Caliogna, Lo Cascio, Saccoia, Baraldi and Ronga.

Malta was only limited to two forced long distance shots which the Italian goalie dealt with easily.

In the second session Italy scored twice to make it 7-0, but after missing two man-ups, Malta finally opened their account with a goal from Jerome Gabarretta. The Italians replied through Saccoia and Di Rocco goals, although in between, Timmy Agius missed a penalty for the locals.

The third session saw the Italians' dominance extended as they increased their lead to 16-1 with goals from Di Rocco, Seinera (2), Lo Cascio, Saccoia (2) and Ronga.

The Italians showed no respite in the fourth and final session as the goals kept coming regularly through Fiorillo, Caliogna (2), Ronga and Di Rocco, for a final scoreline of 21-1.

It is to be mentioned that it could have been a heavier defeat had it not been for some good saves by goalie Joseph Sammut.

Malta: J. Sammut, J. Spiteri Staines, M. Manara, J. Gabarretta, T. Agius, R. Mock, N. Lubrano, K. Griscti, A. Agius, J. Camilleri, P. Borg, M. Pace, A. Borg Cole.

Yesterday's other results

Netherlands-Slovenia 8-8; Turkey-Montenegro 5-10; Greece-Spain 8-5; Poland-Belarus 8-1; Romania-Croatia 3-17; Hungary-France; Serbia-Slovakia.

Today's programme

9am Belarus-Slovakia;; 10.15am Slovakia-France; 11.30am Turkey-Romania; 12.45pm Greece-Italy; 3pm Serbia-Poland; 4.15pm Hungary-Netherlands; 5.30pm Croatia-Montenegro; 6.45pm Malta-Spain.