Malta’s UEFA Nations League campaign faces a crucial test on Friday evening as they take on Georgia in Tbilisi (kick-off: 5pm).

Guided by Italian coach Manuela Tesse, Malta has collected three points from their opening two matches, bouncing back from an opening defeat with a victory against Andorra.

Despite being touted as favourites to top the group, Malta already find themselves chasing Cyprus, who have secured maximum points from their two matches, including a win over Malta in Larnaca.

Currently, Malta and Georgia are level on points, with the Eastern European side having also defeated Andorra in their opener.

A victory on Friday would significantly boost either side’s chances of earning promotion to League B – an achievement only granted to the group winners.

Despite the setback against Cyprus, Malta enters this match as heavy favourites, sitting 87th in the world rankings compared to Georgia’s 119th.

Adding to their confidence is a positive head-to-head record, including two victories against Georgia during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2021 qualifications.

Nonetheless, coach Tesse has called for mental and tactical improvements from her squad, warning that a lack of progress could see their promotion hopes compromised as early as the third matchday.

“After analysing both matches, especially the game against Cyprus, we know we must change our approach and demonstrate the fighting spirit that was our strength in the previous Nations League,” Tesse told the Times of Malta.

“Regarding the Andorra match, we need to improve tactically and in our decision-making. We were too static and did not follow the plan we had prepared.”

For Malta, it’s an unusual situation to be labeled as favourites, a reflection of the progress made by the women’s senior team in recent years.

Following their successful League B promotion in the first Nations League edition, the Maltese side has earned respect on the international stage, with opponents increasingly acknowledging their quality.

However, with increased expectations comes a different kind of pressure – one that coach Tesse is fully aware of.

Having experienced high-stakes matches as a former Italy international, Tesse knows how critical it is to keep her players focused and mentally prepared.

She understands that nerves may have played a role in the opening two matches and is committed to ensuring that the squad remains locked in, ready to handle the aggressiveness and competitiveness that Georgia will undoubtedly bring to the pitch.

“As for the atmosphere, the dressing room is positive, just as it was during the previous window. My staff and I have no complaints because the players are very dedicated during training and always give 100%,” she said.

“The challenge lies in carrying that same effort and knowledge onto the pitch. I was a player myself, so I understand it is not always easy when you’re up against different opponents and different pressures, playing to win or gain points.

“Against Georgia, we will see whether we have learned the lessons from our recent matches, bearing in mind that every team we face wants to beat Malta, so we need to be more aggressive.”

Tesse’s challenge will be to channel the team’s potential and composure, as anything less could put their promotion ambitions at risk after just three outings.

For this match, Tesse will be without experienced defender Charlene Zammit who will be serving a one-match ban and will be available for Tuesday’s home tie against Georgia.

Emma Lipman, Rachel Cuschieri, Haley Bugeja and Shona Zammit are also one yellow card away from suspension.

In the other match, Cyprus host Andorra.

MALTA SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Maya Cachia, Janice Xuereb (Birkirkara), Patricia Ebejer (Mġarr United).

DEFENDERS: Rebecca Bajada, Ann-Marie Said (Mġarr United), Fiona Buttigieg (Luton Town, England), Tammy Falzon, Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United), Oceane Grange (RC Roubaix Wervicq, France), Emma Lipman (Genoa, Italy), Maya Lucia (AP Orlens Gdansk, Poland), Valentina Rapa, Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara).

MIDFIELDERS: Jana Barbara (FC Schalke 04, Germany), Yulya Carella (Mġarr United), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa, Italy), Alexandra Gatt (York City Ladies, England), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United).

FORWARDS: Haley Bugeja (Inter, Italy), Alishia Cassar (Birkirkara), Lexine Farrugia (Roma, Italy), Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United, England), Kailey Willis (Venezia, Italy).