Malta’s history of being governed by both the British and Italian forces seems to have ramped up into tonight’s Euro 2020 final. Football fans, apart from being at the edge of their seats tonight to see who takes the cup home, will also be expressing their boiled-up feelings in regards to the opposing team. Italian was Malta’s official language for around four centuries but in 1880, the British took control and tried to change everything. 

Language wasn’t the only area of tension when it came to the English vs Italian dilemma. It trickled into the political landscape, going well beyond Malta’s independence in 1964. The rivalry moved onto the football pitch, with the younger generations, historian Henry Frendo explains, not recall where it came from. Maltese fans of the Italian team enjoyed the matches on Rai, but English supporters would listen to the matches on Rediffusion. 

Whenever the two forces lock heads on the pitch, the rivalry reemerges. Since 1993, the clash of these two titans happened 27 times, with both their first meeting and latest one ending up in a 1-1 draw. The ritualised act of taunting (in Maltese ‘pika’) is not available to the population on an everyday basis. Football, along with things like feasts, give the public a chance to do so. 

The pandemic, which closed off many events and possibilities to enjoy company, will undoubtedly give more fire for this ‘pika’ to occur. The game is set for tonight and many are gearing up. Health authorities still remind everyone of the precautions against COVID-19. Other than that, Malta will be experiencing yet another English VS Italian historical clash. Who will you be vouching for? 

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Photo Source: Sky Sports