A feast of goals has been predicted for the major football powers of Europe in this week of international football involving the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Among the minnows are Malta for whom every match will be difficult, especially that against Italy which is scheduled for next Monday at the Ta' Qali National Stadium.

But before that, this evening, Malta takes on Norway, a team which is predicted to do well and also seem to have the possibility of qualifying from this Group H which also includes Azerbaijan, Croatia and Bulgaria.

For our Italian national coach Ghedin and his squad, it will be the first home match in this qualifying round after losing the first match against Croatia honourably with a score of 2-0.

Ghedin's boys showed in that match that they had grown and matured into a well-knit side, even if they had to play with just 10 men for just over an hour after having had defender Steve Borg being shown a red card after 30 minutes.

The side distinguished itself with some good defending and only succumbed to the superior Croatians after suffering two second half goals, the last one ten minutes from the end.

Ghedin showered praise on the team for what he described as a very good performance. Addressing the press yesterday, he said: "Not only against Croatia, but even a few days earlier against Slovakia, the team also showed its good qualities. Both games were tough, but my boys came out with their heads held high. We have to carry on that way and I am convinced that we will do well also against Norway this evening."

Ghedin did not announce his starting line-up as he still has a few doubts, but he gave the impression that the team will not differ much from that which played in Croatia, with the exception of Steve Borg, who is obviously suspended.

Ghedin said that Norway will prove to be very tough opponents. "They are fast and aggressive. Against Italy, despite losing 2-0 at home, they played quite well and it is my belief that we cannot stop for even a few seconds against them. We have to be fully concentrated for the full 90 minutes," he reiterated.

Asked whether the players will have in mind the Italy match, Ghedin quickly replied that this will certainly not be the case. "I am sure my players will be doing their very best this evening. This is one match. On Monday it will be another," he said.

Also attending yesterday's press conference were experienced goalkeeper Andrew Hogg and youngster Bjorn Kristensen.

Hogg said that in his opinion, the team had showed good qualities in the September matches against Slovakia and Croatia. "We showed good tactical discipline and I feel we are at a stage where we are making our opponents feel uncomfortable playing against us."

Kristensen said that after his spell with the Under 21s, he was now looking forward to this new adventure with the 'big' boys. "I am working very hard and I am eager to play even for a few minutes," he added.

Both players admitted Norway will be tough opponents, but Kristensen added: "All the teams in the Group are difficult opponents, but from what I've seen, I am sure we will all give them a good run for their money."