Italy coach Antonio Conte has defended his decision to again omit Mario Balotelli from the national team.

Malta 0 Northern Ireland 0

TWO first-half goals from striker Ebi Smolarek gave Poland a shock 2-1 win over Group A favourites Portugal in Chorzow.

Maltese hot-shot Adrian Mifsud could end Shelbourne’s dream of a money-spinning tie against Portuguese side Boavista.