[WATCH] Prandelli hails Malta's 'honourable' result

Additional reporting by Miriam Dalli

"We were right to fear our adversaries who were capable in closing our spaces, and at times caused us to retreat to our defenses," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli told the media after the game.

He praised Malta's captain Michael Mifsud for a brilliant performance in creating a penalty during the first half, while also being highly dangerous to Gigi Buffon's posts, with a powerful shot which struck the upper bar.

"Yes of course Buffon saved the penalty, but he was a threat to us," Prandelli said, adding that he remained cautious in his assessment of his team's performance, which seemingly struggles to perform to perfection in such games.

With regards to striker Mario Balotelli, Prandelli said that he was satisfied with his two goals but stressed that the man had to grow further in focus and had a lot more to contribute to his team.

In a separate press conference, Malta national team coach Pietro Ghedin said he was satisfied with his team's performance, adding that the support the Maltese fans gave played an important part.

"The players were playing home, in a climate they are used to and with fans who were there cheering them on - completely different to the game we played against Bulgaria," Ghedin told the media.

Ghedin said the result was down to an Italy team which were stronger than Malta that played well from the side. He singled out Michael Mifsud as the man who will go down in the history of Maltese football for his overall performance in his football career.

"I am not disappointed with the result. Our players gave their best and gave a great performance. But then again, when you're facing a player like Buffon you cannot but bow before their greatness," he said.

Fielding questions on his decision to replace Andre Hogg with Justin Haber as goalkeeper, Ghedin said Hogg may have not agreed with his decision, but this was a way of "protecting him".

"It's not easy losing with six goals," he said, with reference to Malta's game against Bulgaria. "The psychological effect is huge and a small mistake today would have seemed even bigger. It is my way of helping him... even though it might look strange."