National Team in Malta, Nanni: "We create a couple of chances every match, we must be more clinical"

The San Marino National Team face their final outing in June, returning to action in UEFA Nations League group D2 after an excellent friendly display against Iceland in Serravalle (0-1). With all three teams having played two matches, Estonia top the standings with maximum points, ahead of Malta. Over this late spring run the Titans have turned in strong performances and stayed in the game right to the end. What has been missing, more through bad luck than anything else, has been the goal. And who better than Nicola Nanni to comment on that? According to the Lucchese forward, "in each of the matches we’ve played over these two weeks we’ve created the conditions to score on at least a couple of occasions. What’s more,” he continues, “those chances have come about in different ways and if we haven’t managed to hit the back of the net it’s been more down to misfortune than shortcomings on our part." The mind goes back to Paskotsi’s goal-line clearance in Estonia, but also to Grandoni’s left-footed effort – inches wide – which could have made it 1-1 against Iceland. And the VAR incident in last Sunday’s match with Malta? "We have to be good at staying in the game, especially from a mental point of view, from start to finish. The episode of the penalty first awarded and then overturned was like flicking off a switch; if we manage to stay focused until the final whistle, matches like that could end differently. We need to improve our ruthlessness in front of goal when chances come our way," Nanni concludes. "Malta are a tough, compact side who keep the ball well. We’ll need to press them effectively to put them under pressure; on the other hand, if we’re even slightly disjointed in our press, they know how to hurt you. That’s exactly what happened last Sunday in the few occasions when Malta posed a real threat." Head coach Fabrizio Costantini largely shares his striker’s view: "In the first match we turned in a great performance up until the on-field VAR review. After that we lost our shape and what happened, happened," admits the Manager. "Tomorrow we’ll play our game, fully aware that we’re up against a good side, well coached. The issue of energy levels will be crucial: we’re about to play our fourth match in eleven days, which naturally leads to some assessments and certain rotations compared to seven days ago. All things considered, though, we are in good shape and the Iceland match confirmed that. We are going through a process of change in terms of mentality which the lads are embracing well. We on the staff will also need to do our bit to foster this new approach as quickly as possible." Matchday four of UEFA Nations League group D2, between Malta and San Marino, will be played tomorrow evening at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali: kick-off at 20:45, live on San Marino RTV Sport (ch. 93 DTT). All-Dutch refereeing team and VAR: Higler will be assisted by Zeinstra and Diks, with fourth official Van der Eijk. Manschot and Londhout will be on VAR duty.

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