Inter Women will conclude their Malta training camp with a friendly match against local side Hibernians, representatives of the Assikura Women’s League.
The Nerazzurre, who began their camp on January 3, will take on the Paolites on Tuesday evening at the Tony Bezzina Stadium (kick-off: 7pm).
One of the main attractions of the match will undoubtedly be Haley Bugeja, with the Malta forward expected to spearhead Inter’s attacking line.
For the former Sassuolo and Orlando Pride player, representing a club of Inter’s stature on home soil is a moment to savour.
“It means a lot, because after all these years of playing away from Malta, there comes a moment when you return here with your club to take part in a training camp or to play a match,” Bugeja told the Times of Malta.
“It’s not just that – I’m coming home with my second family. Being at home like this brings a lot of emotions. I’m very grateful that the club made all of this possible, and I’m really motivated for these days here.”
The Malta international added that the camp is also serving as preparation for Inter’s return to competitive action.
“If possible, we are also preparing in our own way for when the time comes to face Juventus and continue our season,” she said.
Inter will resume their Serie A Femminile campaign on January 18 with a high-profile clash against Juventus.
The Nerazzurre currently sit fourth in the table on 15 points, seven behind leaders Roma.
“I think it’s important to get back on track. Obviously, there was the Christmas break, and coming back is never easy,” Bugeja explained.
“Even if you train individually at home, it’s never the same, because you can’t do what you usually do with the team. Coming here to train, having double sessions and playing a friendly match is a very good idea and will help us a lot. Of course, we’re also happy to be here with some sunshine and fresh air.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Bugeja underlined Inter’s ambitions on both domestic fronts.
“As a team, our objective is to finish as high as possible, which has been the goal since the start of the season. We’ve found the right path again, and this is a good moment to regain our rhythm,” she said.
“There’s also the cup, where we want to go as far as possible – hopefully to the final. On a personal level, I want to continue like this, score more goals, help the team and keep growing. It’s a long season and there’s still a lot to do.”
Bugeja recently committed her future to Inter by signing a four-year contract extension, a clear sign of the club’s faith in the Maltese forward.
She has repaid that trust with impressive performances, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances this season, including a hat-trick in a 5-1 derby win over Milan.
“Since returning to pre-season, I feel that I’ve grown a lot, even if I can’t pinpoint exactly how,” she said.
“I understand our style of play better and I’m clearer about what I can offer the team. That’s helped me not only on the pitch, but also in terms of confidence off it. When I’m in the box and there’s an opportunity to attack the space, I feel much more confident than before.
“Football is often a simple game: you play simply, and then when the moment comes to take on your opponent one-on-one or score, you have to do it.”
Asked about the main challenges she has faced this season, Bugeja highlighted the competitiveness of Serie A Femminile and her own injury setback.
“The league is very competitive this year, which makes it a great challenge,” she said.
“There was a period with many injuries, and maybe we felt a bit lost, but I think we’ve found our way again.”
“Personally, I suffered an injury at a time when I really wanted to help the team and couldn’t. Regaining intensity after a month or more out is never easy, but the coaching staff continued to trust me and give me opportunities, and that helped a lot.”
The injury, sustained against Roma, sidelined Bugeja for a month and also ruled her out of Malta’s end-of-year friendlies against Croatia.
“When you’re away from the team, it’s very hard,” she added.
“I’m grateful to everyone who supported me during my recovery – having people around you makes a big difference.”
The 2025/2026 season also marked a new European chapter for Bugeja, who featured in both the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
She scored four goals in six European appearances before Inter were eliminated from the latter by Sweden’s BK Häcken.
“Playing in Europe was like a dream that ended a bit too early,” she admitted.
“I think we had the quality to go further, but it was also a lesson because now we understand the level better.”
“There is a lot to improve – not only for us, but perhaps for Italian women’s football in general. Still, you can only learn and grow from defeat. We hope that by doing well in the league we can return to Europe and, with more experience, go further next time.”
Tonight’s friendly against Hibernians – one of the most decorated clubs in Maltese women’s football – offers local fans another opportunity to engage with the domestic game, something Bugeja believes is vital for the sport’s growth.
“When Maltese players compete abroad, it raises the level and gives more recognition to the national team and Maltese football in general,” she said.
“Having Inter here also helps give visibility, especially for this match against Hibernians. We hope many people come to watch – it’s a great opportunity and can give confidence.
“For some young players, facing Inter is something they may never have imagined, so it will be a special experience.”