体坛英语新闻：Abate: Malta could trouble Italy

ROME, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Italy defender Ignazio Abate has conceded that Malta could cause the Azzurri some problems in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.

While Italy are top of Group B and their opponents are bottom of the standings, the AC Milan player respects Tuesday's opponents.

"Our coach Cesare Prandelli is right when he says the Malta game will be difficult," said the right-back who should start the game.

"We'll be up against a team that will put 10 players behind the ball and it will not be easy to find space out there.

"However, we have the qualities to do well and we have to make sure that we start the game on the right foot."