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 1st June at the DAC Aréna in Dunajská Streda, with kick-off set for 18:00. A few days later, Malta will once again be in action against Azerbaijan on 5th June 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. Among them is promising forward Luke Borg of Tarxien Rainbows F.C., 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 F.C., who has been rewarded for his solid campaign.
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.
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 provisional squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers
Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Rashed Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers FC), James Sissons (Chesterfield FC – ENG), Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions FC).
Defenders
Zach Muscat (Chaves FC – POR), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk FC), Kurt Shaw (Hibernians FC), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk FC), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers FC), Jake Vassallo (Mosta FC), Kean Scicluna (Zabbar St Patrick FC), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United FC), Aleandro Garzia (Birkirkara FC), Myles Beerman (Floriana FC), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana FC).
Midfielders
Matthew Guillaumier (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea FC – GRE), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta FC), Matias Garcia (Ħamrun Spartans FC ), Teddy Teuma (Standard de Liege – BEL), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema W. FC), Jake Grech (Floriana FC).
Forwards
Joseph E. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Paul Mbong (Floriana FC), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC – SUI), Luke Borg (Tarxien Rainbows FC), Irvin Cardona (AS Saint-Étienne – FRA), Nicholas Agius (Zabbar St Patrick FC), Basil Tuma (Reading FC – ENG), Kevin Cannavò (Cosenza – ITA), Nevin Portelli (Mosta FC), Keyon Ewurum (Torino FC – ITA), Andrea Zammit (Valletta FC).