Italy-based Cannavo named in Malta squad for Slovakia, Azerbaijan friendlies

Malta national team coach Emilio De Leo has announced a provisional 34-man squad ahead of two international friendly matches set to take place at the beginning of June.  

The Maltese national team will face Slovakia on June 1 at the DAC Aréna in Dunajská Streda, with kick-off set for 18:00.

On June 5, Malta will once again be in action against Azerbaijan at the Haladás Sportkomplexum in Szombathely, Hungary, with the match kicking off at 20:00.

Both fixtures will be very useful for De Leo as he continues to evaluate his squad ahead of the commitments in the next competition which is the UEFA Nations League.

One of the main talking points from the provisional selection is the inclusion of several fresh faces who have earned their first-ever national team call-up following strong performances at club level during the season.

An interesting addition is that of defender Kevin Cannavò, currently playing his football in Italy with Cosenza Calcio.

The Italy-based player is regarded as one for the future, and his inclusion highlights the coaching staff’s continued efforts to monitor Maltese talent abroad and integrate emerging prospects into the senior national setup.

Promising forward Luke Borg, of Tarxien Rainbows, whose consistent displays and attacking qualities have attracted the attention of the national team staff.

Also receiving a maiden senior call-up is Nicholas Agius from Żabbar St Patrick, who has been rewarded for his solid campaign.

The provisional squad also sees the return of several players who had featured in previous selections but missed out during the last international window.

Mosta’s Jake Vassallo has once again been recalled after maintaining strong form at club level, while Kean Scicluna, who turned out for Żabbar St. Patrick this season, also makes his return to the squad. Another notable inclusion is Matías García, of Ħamrun Spartans.

However, Malta will be without experienced wing-back Ryan Camenzuli who is unavailable through injury.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: H. Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans), R. Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers), J. Sissons (Chesterfield), M. Debono (Naxxar Lions).

Defenders: Z. Muscat (Chaves FC), J. Corbalan (Marsaxlokk), K. Shaw (Hibernians), E. Pepe (Marsaxlokk), J. Borg (Sliema), J. Vassallo (Mosta), K. Scicluna (Zabbar SP), G. Mentz (Gżira United), A. Garzia (Birkirkara), M. Beerman (Floriana), C. Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana).

Midfielders: Matthew Guillaumier (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), A. Satariano (Kallithea), J. Azzopardi (Valletta), M. Garcia (Ħamrun Spartans), T. Teuma (S. Liege), A. Magri Overend (Sliema), J. Grech (Floriana).

Forwards: J. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans), P. Mbong (Floriana), I. Chouaref (Sion), L. Borg (Tarxien), I. Cardona (Saint-Étienne), N. Agius (Zabbar), B. Tuma (Reading), K. Cannavò (Cosenza), N. Portelli (Mosta), K. Ewurum (Torino), A. Zammit (Valletta).