Premier League clubs Hibs and Qormi will fly Malta’s flag in an end-of-year tournament featuring Italian clubs Catania and Torino.

Like several Italian teams before them, including Milan and Juventus, Serie A side Catania and Torino, currently top of the Serie B standings, have chosen to stage a week-long training camp in Malta.

Catania and Torino are expected to arrive here in the final week of this month while the friendly tournament is pencilled in for December 30 at the National Stadium.

Hibs have long confirmed their interest in participating in what promises to be a prest-igious tournament, which will feature four 45-minute matches (penalties will be taken in case of a drawn result), but Qormi have only just been confirmed as the second Premier League team taking part in this friendly festival.

Qormi are due to meet Torino in the curtain-raiser with Hibs facing Catania in the second match. The losers of the first games will play in the third place match before the final game between the winners.

Ticket prices for the tournament, sponsored by Portomaso Life, will be the same as for domestic Premier League matches.

The end-of-year tournament is expected to generate significant interest among local fans, especially those who follow Italian football, as Catania, led by former Italy striker Vincenzo Montella, are doing well in the Serie A.

The Sicilian outfit also have some interesting players in their ranks, including Argentine striker Maxi Lopez, reportedly the subject of interest from Milan and other top European clubs, and former Juve defender Nicola Legrottaglie.

Programme: 6.30 p.m. Torino vs Qormi; 7.30 p.m. Catania vs Hibs; 8.30 p.m. Third place match; 9.30 p.m. Final.