City beat Floriana in Euro opener

Valletta-2, Floriana-1

Valletta gave new coach Mark Miller a winning debut as the champions beat Floriana 2-1 in the opening game of the pre-season Euro Cup Competition this evening at the Centenary Stadium.

Miller included the club’s new Brazilian signings, Jusselio Da Silva, Ricardo Da Rocha Filho, Jhonnattann and Benites da Conceicao, in his starting formation.

While Valletta started the game with five foreign players, Floriana only had one on their teamsheet, namely Swedish winger Andre Grabowski.

Valletta took the lead inside the first minute. Denni pounced on a miscued clearance by Owen Bugeja inside the box and passed to William Barbosa who beat Floriana goalkeeper Jurgen Borg from close range.

The Citizens remained on top but had to wait until the 34th minute to increase their advantage through Denni who scored with a diagonal shot after trading passes with Jhonnattann.

Ten minutes into the second half, Floriana threatened to reduce the arrears but Clyde Borg’s well-hit volley from outside the box crashed against the crossbar.

Denni then had a shot pushed away by Borg before Micallef cleared off the line but, 14 minutes from time, Floriana got one back. Joseph Borg’s cross from the right was headed on by Ryan Darmanin and Micallef was on hand to drive the ball home at the far post.

Tomorrow evening, Hibs meet Birkirkara in the second match of the Euro Cup Competition.