Serie A's Parma to play Valletta and Hibs on Dec. 30

Parma will be travelling to Malta at the end of the month to conduct a training camp at the Hibs Ground, organisers JPL Sports Events announced yesterday.

During their eight-day stay, the Serie A club will play in the Christmas Cup triangular tournament that will also feature Malta champions Hibernians and Valletta FC on December 30.

Louis Agius, director of JPL Sports Events, said Parma will arrive on December 28 for a mid-term break ahead of the second phase of the season. The Italian side, currently fourth in the standings, will leave two days before hosting Juventus in a league match at their Tardini stadium on January 6.

"After weeks of negotiations, we are delighted to announce that FC Parma will be travelling to Malta to conduct a training camp at the Hibs Ground," Agius said.

"We are honoured to lure one of the most exciting teams in the Serie A this season and I'm sure that their presence here will attract huge interest among local football enthusiasts."

Parma are the third Serie A outfit to visit Malta during Yuletide in recent years after Milan in 2006 and Juventus in 2007. The Gialloblu, the surprise package in Italy, will be here with a full squad under the charge of coach Francesco Guidolin as they look to maintain their push for a place in European football next season.

The Christmas Cup triangular tournament will feature three matches of 45 minutes each.

Valletta and Hibernians play in the opener that starts at 8 p.m. The losing side will then face Parma in the next match. The visitors play the winner of the first game in the third fixture of the competition.

Gianni Lacchè, a Parma official, said that his club were looking forward to coming over to Malta and they are keeping fingers crossed that their gathering here will serve the team in good stead ahead of the second part of the season.

"We are pleased that we have come to an agreement to bring our squad to Malta for a short training camp," Lacchè said.

"Malta is a very beautiful island and everyone at the club is excited to spend the Christmas holidays here with their families. During our stay, the coach will also have the opportunity to test his players' condition in the tournament. Valletta and Hibs are two popular teams here so this will be an attraction to the fans.

"We hope, this visit will not be a one-off experience for us as we are planning to return in future. No doubt, this will be the start of a fruitful relationship between the two countries."

Victor Sciriha, the Valletta FC president, said he was eager to see his team facing one of the best sides in the Italian league this season.

"This is not the first time for our club to face Italian opposition at this time of the year," the City supremo said.

"Two years ago we beat Juventus at the National Stadium and last year we played against Ancona in Italy. It will be interesting to see how our players will fare against such a strong team but we will do our best to achieve another good showing in this tournament."

Stephen Abela, Hibs FC secretary, urged the locals to attend the triangular tournament which should be a great festive treat for football lovers.

"Parma have build a strong reputation in the Serie A so this tournament will be a great attraction," Abela said.

"We want the fans to give their support and add to the spectacle at the Hibs Ground. This will also be a great opportunity for our players to hone their skills against strong opposition. This will be a friendly tournament but we are determined to put up a strong challenge."

Also present for yesterday's news conference was Parliamentary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli. He said Parma's visit will enhance the country's reputation in sport tourism.

"In the past few years, Malta hosted several international football teams and it's clear that the excellent treatment these clubs get here has encouraged others to follow suit," he said.

"We want Parma to be happy here and their trip to Malta another feather in our cap as the country continues to improve its status as an ideal destination for training camps at this time of the year."