'Opportunity to restart': Italy to host Malta in Medieval Shield

Italy and Malta will meet in a rugby league international friendly next month in Italy, 100km outside of Venice near Udine, in Bagnaria Arsa.

The Federazione Italiana Rugby League (FIRL) and the Malta Rugby League (MRL) have agreed to the fixture on September 28 as part of a home and away series over 2024 and 2025.

Italy have appeared at the last three Rugby League World Cup’s and both teams are ranked inside the top 15 of the international rugby league world rankings.

The hosts head into the match on the back of two wins from their last three outings, including a 38-12 win over Malta in Sydney last October, but this September's Medieval Shield clash will be the first meeting between the two nations in Europe.

Paolo Iollo, FIRL Vice President, said "We are very happy to restart at an international level. In particular, the match against Malta will be a great opportunity to establish a relationship with a nearby Federation and with which we hope we can plan common goals and an overall partnership".

Salvatore Pezzano, FIRL Manager of National Teams, added "We wanted to restart, and thanks to Malta's availability, we were able to do it swiftly and professionally. For us, it will be an opportunity to restart and return to play with the many guys who love rugby league and have made themselves available for this restart".

The match will feature as the first in charge for new Italy head coach Gioele Celerino, but equally, the Maltese are excited about the clash between the neighbouring Mediterranean nations, Malta Head Coach Philip Humphrey commenting "To be able to play Italy is an exciting prospect and will be a fantastic experience for everybody in our organisation. We’re really looking forward to the experience and hope for an entertaining match in Udine".

Jean-Pierre Zarb, MRL President added, "Playing against Italy in Europe is a big moment for us. They have a strong reputation, numerous World Cup appearances, but now is an opportunity for our squad to step up and show what Malta can do against our Mediterranean neighbours on the Italian’s own soil. We’re here to make our mark and we’’ give it everything for our country."

MEDIEVAL SHIELD 2024 - ITALY v MALTA
Saturday 28 September 2024
Kick-Off: 3pm
At A.S.D. JUVENILIA, Bagnaria Arsa, Italy