The Malta Football Association has announced the appointment of Roberto Menichelli as the new Head Coach of the Malta Futsal National Team.
A highly respected figure in international futsal, Menichelli brings a wealth of experience to Malta, having led the Italian National Futsal Team from 2009 to 2018. Under his guidance, Italy achieved one of its greatest successes by winning the UEFA Futsal Euro 2014 title — the nation’s second in its history.
Menichelli also coached the Italian Women’s National Futsal Team between 2015 and 2018 and enjoyed an impressive playing career, winning two Serie A titles and five Coppa Italia trophies with Torrino. He earned 28 caps for Italy, scoring twice, and represented his country at the 1992 Futsal World Cup in Hong Kong.
Malta FA Welcomes Menichelli
Commenting on the appointment, Malta FA Senior Vice President Dr Matthew Paris described it as a major step forward for the sport’s growth locally.
“This appointment is another step forward in ensuring further growth of futsal in Malta,” said Dr Paris. “Following the successful spell of Gabriel Dobre, the Malta FA decided to appoint another experienced futsal coach to continue leading the national team’s progress. This is not just a statement of intent — it’s a clear message that futsal remains a top priority for the Association.”
Dr Paris also welcomed the Italian coach to Malta’s futsal community, thanking him for taking on the role.
Menichelli: “A project that inspires me”
In his first comments, Menichelli expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
“The development of futsal is one of the Malta FA’s key objectives in the coming years, and that was a decisive factor in accepting this position,” he said. “I am fully committed to contributing to the Association and to the ongoing growth of futsal in Malta.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Menichelli’s debut as Malta Futsal Head Coach will come later this month, with two international friendlies scheduled in Bucharest, Romania:
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8 November – Malta vs Romania (16:00 hrs)
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10 November – Malta vs Latvia (12:00 hrs)
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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