Malta

A strong team ethos has been created by hosts Malta's long preparatory period, ensuring that Sergio Soldano's side are well set ahead of the start of their campaign. This will not only be Malta's first final tournament as hosts, but also their first finals appearance at any age level.

Captain Conor Borg has been among Malta's key performers, having made a move from local side Floriana FC to Serie A outfit AC Chievo Verona at the start of the season, having come to the club's attention in Under-17 action. Another influential figure for Soldano is Jake Grech, who has come through the Hamrun Spartans FC academy and is already a fixture in the first team. Joseph Mbong, meanwhile – son of the late Essien Mbong – has come through the Hibernians FC youth department and is swiftly making a name for himself.

Recent friendly results
13/06/13: Malta 0-1 Austria
21/06/13: Northern Ireland U16s 1-4 Malta
23/06/13: Northern Ireland 4-0 Malta
20/08/13: Wales 4-0 Malta
22/08/13: Wales 2-3 Malta
18/12/13: Italy 7-0 Malta
20/12/13: Allievi Nazionali Catania 3-3 Malta
25/02/14: Italy LND (amateurs) U19s 3-0 Malta*
26/02/14: Malta 5-3 English Colleges U19s*
27/02/14: Malta 3-1 San Marino U19s*

*Roma Caput Mundi Tournament, Italy

Key players
Conor Borg (midfielder, AC Chievo Verona), Jake Grech (midfielder, Hamrun Spartans FC), Joseph Mbong (forward, Hibernians FC)

Coach: Sergio Soldano

Date of Birth: 29 November, 1960
Nationality: Argentinian/Italian
Playing career: CA Colón de Santa Fe, Club Atlético Banfield
Coaching career: FC Internazionale Milano (academy), Parma FC (academy), Malta U17

A playmaker in his native Argentina during his playing career, Soldano was nicknamed 'Oveja' (sheep). He hung up his boots in 1993 before moving into coaching. He was appointed full-time coach of Malta U17s in January 2012.

UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
First finals appearance