Malta vs. Italy: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier

Graziano Pelle scored on his debut as Italy remained perfect in Euro 2016 qualifying with a nervy 1-0 victory over Malta on Monday evening at the Ta' Qali National Stadium.

Pelle set Italy on their way with the opening goal in the 23rd minute, but despite hitting the woodwork four times and holding a numerical advantage for much of the match, the Azzurri were unable to score again.

Malta captain Michael Mifsud was sent off in the first half for a studs-up challenge on Alessandro Florenzi. But Italy's Leonardo Bonucci saw red for denying a goalscoring opportunity in the 73rd minute, setting up a tense finish.

With the victory, Italy now have nine points through three qualifying matches and are level with Croatia atop the Group H table. The top two teams in each group advance directly to Euro 2016, with the third-place team guaranteed at least a spot in the play-offs.

As such, the Azzurri are in a strong position to qualify even with seven matches remaining. But coach Antonio Conte likely will not be satisfied with his team's performance for the second time in as many matches.

Last week, Italy needed a late Giorgio Chiellini winner to beat minnows Azerbaijan on home soil. On Monday, only one goal separated the four-time World Cup champions from Malta, a side that has never qualified for a major tournament.

Up next for Italy is a showdown with Croatia on Nov. 16 in Milan. The winner of that match will take control of the group heading into 2015.

Following the close call against Azerbaijan, Italy started brightly in Malta. Before one minute had passed, the Azzurri had already created a chance, as Ciro Immobile volleyed past the post after pulling down a cross from Antonio Candreva.

Malta came close to taking a shock lead in the 15th minute as Clayton Failla fizzed a low shot just wide of the post after Italy failed to clear their lines.

Italy hit the woodwork twice in the 18th minute. First, Pelle directed a Manuel Pasqual cross onto the bar with a powerful header. Moments later, Chiellini headed off the outside of the post from a corner.

The visitors would not have to wait much longer to make the breakthrough. Pasqual swung in a corner from the right for Bonucci, who forced a save with a near-post header. The rebound bounced to Pelle, who swept in for 1-0 in the 23rd minute.

Malta's task soon became even more difficult. In the 27th minute, Mifsud drew a straight red card for an over-the-ball challenge on Florenzi.

"

Italy not often known for being very entertaining. Prandelli tried to change that, with mixed results. Conte doesn't really care about style

— Julian of Martinis (@JulianDM11) October 13, 2014"

If anything, though, Malta only improved after going down to 10 men. Failla hit a free-kick off target from long distance in the 32nd minute, but although he struck his shot well, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon appeared to have the top corner covered.

Leading 1-0 at half-time, Italy struck the woodwork again moments after the restart. This time, however, it was accidental, as an errant Candreva cross glanced off the top of the bar.

The Azzurri should have won a penalty in the 49th minute when Malta's Ryan Camilleri clipped Immobile's heel inside the box. Referee Ovidiu Hategan waved play on, denying the visitors a good chance to double their lead.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Another chance came from open play in the 53rd. Marco Verratti, who started in midfield ahead of veteran Andrea Pirlo, picked out Immobile with a fine lofted pass. However, Immobile could only head weakly at Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, who saved easily.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 73rd minute as numerical parity was restored. There seemed to be little danger when the ball rolled free into Italy's half. But Malta's Andre Schembri tumbled under light contact from Bonucci, who was subsequently sent off for a last-man tackle.

After a delay of two minutes, Failla took the ensuing free-kick, hitting a deflected shot into Buffon's arms.

Conte responded by introducing defender Angelo Ogbonna for Pelle. And while the dismissal made for a nervous end to the match, the visitors were able to see out the final 10 minutes with relative ease.

But there was still time for another Italy chance. In stoppage time, substitute Sebastian Giovinco burst free on the right before shooting off the base of the far post. 

In truth, a late goal would have been harsh on Malta, who performed well throughout and will take pride from a resolute performance against their highly rated opponents.

Grades

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Post-Match Reaction

Starting XI	Rating
Substitutes	Rating
Gianluigi Buffon	6.2
Matteo Darmian	6.6
Leonardo Bonucci	5.8
Giorgio Chiellini	7.8
Antonio Candreva	6.7
Alessandro Florenzi	6.5
Marco Verratti	7.7
Claudio Marchisio	7.2
Manuel Pasqual	7.4
Graziano Pelle	7.5
Ciro Immobile	6.7
Alberto Aquilani (for Florenzi, 59')	6.4
Sebastian Giovinco (for Immobile, 65')	6.9
Angelo Ogbonna (for Pelle, 76')	6.3