Italy to play with a four-man defence against Malta

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he will employ a four-man backline for the visit of Malta tonight, as he looks to ignite his country's World Cup 2014 qualification campaign.

The Azzurri finished runners-up at Euro 2012 earlier in the summer, but failed to carry their momentum over into Friday's 2-2 draw with Bulgaria, with an experimental 3-5-2 formation the target of much criticism.

The disappointing nature of the result has moved their coach to stick with his tried-and-tested formula against Malta, and he hopes their familiarity with the system will prove decisive in Modena.

"We will return to a four-man defence," Prandelli told reporters. "Our opponents will play with one striker, so we have to find our rhythm quickly.

"Perhaps we worked too hard in our preparation for the match against Bulgaria and my mistake was not rectifying the situation.

"[On Tuesday], however, we will try to hit our stride and, more importantly, function compactly."

The Italian coach also stated that he has warned his players that the slightest error could cost them dearly as on the counter-attack, Malta striker Michael Mifsud can surprise them.