Pietro Ghedin will be taking over as the new Malta national coach on Thursday. This was announced by MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association.

Ghedin agreed a three-year-and-a-half deal which will see him lead the Malta national team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the EURO 2016 qualifiers.

The Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio released Ghedin from his contract as coach of the Italian women’s national team one month in advance for him to be able to move to Malta immediately. His first task will be the friendly match against Luxembourg which will be played on June 2nd.

Another friendly match will be played on August 14 against San Marino away from home.

Pietro Ghedin had coached the Malta Under-21 side in the early nineties before taking over as Malta A coach in 1993. In 24 matches as Malta coach between 1993 and 1995, Ghedin led the team to four wins and five draws.

On his return to Italy, Ghedin was appointed as assistant coach of the Italian national team with coach Cesare Maldini in the 1998 World Cup, with Dino Zoff in the EURO 2000 and finally with Giovanni Trapattoni in the 2002 World Cup and EURO 2004. He then led the Olympic team in the Mediterranean Games before being appointed as women’s national team coach in 2005.