Mazzotta finalises Malta squad for Turkmenistan friendly, Nations League clash against Moldova

Malta’s interim head coach, Davide Mazzotta, has finalised his squad for the upcoming international fixtures, reducing the roster to 26 players.

Malta will first face Turkmenistan in a friendly match on home soil on Thursday, followed by a crucial UEFA Nations League clash against Moldova in the Ta’ Qali National Stadium on Sunday.

Mazzotta’s selection is a blend of experience and fresh talent as Malta looks to build momentum under his temporary leadership.

Last week Mazzotta had named a squad of 30 players to start training with him over the weekend.

Four players have been dropped from the squad. These are defender Mattias Ellul, of Ħamrun Spartans, Sliema Wanderers wing back Cain Attard, midfielder Matias Garcia, of Floriana, and attacking midfielder Jan Busuttil, who is on the books of Balzan.

Mazzotta’s final selection includes all four new faces that were included in the preliminary squad, namely Gżira defender Gabriel Mentz, Neil Micallef, of Birkirkara, Reading forward Basil Tuma, and Trent Buhagiar who is on the books of Brescia.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Rashed Al Tumi (FC Sheriff Tiraspol), Matthew Grech (Żabbar St Patrick).

Defenders: Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers), Luke Tabone (Haverfordwest County AFC), Neil Micallef (Birkirkara), Kurt Shaw (Hibernians), Zach Muscat (No club), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United).

Midfielders:  Matthew Guillaumier (FKS Stal Mielec Spolka Akcyjna), Nikolai Muscat (Marsaxlokk), Ryan Scicluna (Marsaxlokk), Teddy Teuma (Stade de Reims), Dunstan Vella (Floriana FC), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers), Joseph Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans), Juan Corbalan (Hamrun Spartans).

Forwards: Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians FC), Kemar Reid (Floriana FC), Luke Montebello (Ħamrun Spartans), Paul Mbong (Birkirkara), Kyrian Nwoko (Floriana), Alexander Satariano (Birkirkara), Trent Anthony Buhagiar (Brescia Calcio), Basil Tuma (Reading).