The Malta Football Association released the final details ahead of the two EURO 2016 qualifiers against Norway on Friday and against Italy on Monday.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, MFA General Secretary Bjorn Vassallo said Malta’s main objective from these matches is to gain respect from our opponents. Vassallo praised the tactical discipline showed by the Maltese players in the 2-0 defeat to Croatia where the team had to play for an hour in ten men.

Malta will be facing a difficult task against Norway and Italy – two very strong teams. Italy will definitely target the six points from the two clashes with Azerbaijan and Malta while Norway will aim for a first win in the group.

Vassallo stressed the association’s faith in the players and technical staff, explaining that the main objective will be to strengthen the team in the coming years, especially in view of the UEFA Nations League which kicks-off in 2018.

Ticket-sales proceed well with 60% of the tickets for Malta vs Norway and 80% of the tickets for Malta vs Italy being sold. Around 1,400 Norwegian supporters will be travelling to Malta.

MFA Head of Marketing Norman Saliba went on to explain details regarding ticket sales before the two games and on match-days, traffic management on match-days and the Fan Zone which will be set-up on the day of the Malta vs Italy game.

Gates at the National Stadium will open at 18:30 for both matches and gates will remain open until the start of the second half.

The ticket-office at West B will serve as a ticket collection point for VIP (West B). For the match Malta vs Norway, West A ticket-booth will be selling tickets for West A and North Stands while West C ticket-booth will be selling tickets for West C and South Stands; the Millennium D ticket-booth will be selling tickets for the Millennium D and South Stands while the Millennium F ticket-booth will be used as a Ticket Information Point.

For the match Malta vs Italy, the West A ticket-booth will be selling tickets for West A and will also act as a Ticket Information Point; West C ticket-booth will be selling tickets for the West C and South Stands while the Millennium D and teh Millennium F ticket-booths will be selling tickets for the South Stand and North Stand respectively.

Tickets are still available for both matches except for the Millennium D and Millennium F tickets for the Malta vs Italy matches as these have been sold out.

Spectators are reminded that entrance into the stadium will only be allowed through the turnstiles at the entrances indicated on the ticket in their possession. It is extremely important that spectators present themselves at the turnstiles in possession of the actual ticket or the printed ticket if the purchase of their ticket was made online.

As is the normal practice on the occasion of international matches West A, B and C Stands will be on allocated seating, i.e ticket holders are to sit on the seat as indicated on their ticket. However, in all other sectors of the stadium, i.e. in the Millennium, North and South Stands a Free Seating Policy is adopted.

Traffic management
For Malta vs Norway, the ring roads encircling the National Stadium will be closed for traffic on match-day (Friday 10) from 08.00 onwards from the roundabout in front of the Millennium Stand, up to the entrance to the West Stand Car Park.

On the eve of the Malta vs Italy game, the ring roads encircling the National Stadium will be closed for traffic from 16.00 onwards, from the roundabout in front of the Millennium Stand, up to the entrance to the West Stand Car Park.

On the day of the Malta vs Italy game, the ring roads encircling the National Stadium will be closed for traffic from 08.00 onwards, from the roundabout in front of the Millennium Stand, up to the point upon leaving the Malta Model Aircraft Association Flying site.

The West Stand and Millennium Stand Car Parks will on both occasions be exclusively reserved for drivers holding a Reserved Parking Pass.

Stadium orders
Spectators are to follow any instructions given out to ensure that all Safety and Security Regulations are observed. It is important for one to note that for ALL European Qualification matches a strict NO-ALCOHOL POLICY is to be observed inside the stadium.

Fan Gathering
On the occasion of the Malta vs Italy match, thank to the collaboration with CISK, a Fan Gathering zone will be set up inside the MFCC Grounds which will be open from 5pm onwards. The activity will include entertainment, face painting, promotional offers, etc.

Entertainment at National Stadium
On both the Malta vs Norway and Malta vs Italy games, there will be an entertainment programme inside the National Stadium which will start at 19:00.