Floriana’s tenacious performance in the 2-0 victory over rivals Valletta inevitably sparked euphoric celebrations among their fans but the importance of Saturday’s success stretched beyond the satisfaction of winning a derby in the eyes of coach Luis Oliveira.
With the FA Trophy quarter-final tie against Birkirkara only eight days away, Oliveira believes that his team’s brave effort last weekend proved that Floriana have what it takes to win an honour this season.
“All the players deserve praise, they showed that they have the desire to win something important,” Oliveira told Times of Malta after goals from Mario Fontanella and substitute Mauricio Villa either side of half-time handed Floriana their first league win over their eternal rivals since 2007.
“We showed that we are a strong team. I never had any doubts about the quality of our squad because I see it every day in training.”
Under Oliveira, Floriana have forged a reputation as an aggressive, hard-to-beat team.
In their two previous meetings with Valletta this season, the Greens tried to seize an early edge by pressing from the off but on Saturday, Oliveira adopted a more prudent plan.
“First and foremost, our strategy was to wait for Valletta to come out in the early stages,” Oliveira said.
“They are a team that can hurt you if you leave a lot of spaces at the back.
“The idea was to press hard on the wings, with (Matteo) Piciollo and (Mario) Fonta-nella) on the left, and Steve Pisani on the right.”
Piciollo stole the show with a five-star display. The Italian was involved in all the match-defining moments as he supplied the assists for his side’s two goals and also won the foul that led to Romeu Romao’s sending-off after just 27 minutes.
“All my players contributed to this win,” Oliveira, who watched Saturday’s derby from the stands as he served the first of a two-match touchline ban, said.
“Piciollo had a great match along with Emerson Marcelina and also captain Nicolas Chiesa... he is still going strong at 36.”
Floriana’s top-four prospects are still slim though as fourth-placed Birkirkara restored their six-point lead over the Greens after a 3-1 win over St Andrew’s on Sunday.
Oliveira admitted that Floriana have it all to do in the race for Euro qualification but vowed that his team will keep up the fight.
“We will continue to do our best to try and reach our objective but it’s not easy,” Oliveira said.
“The defeat to Hibs was a blow but if we are still in with a chance, we will go for it.”
Having taken over as Floriana coach last summer, Oliveira is entering the final months of his contract with the club.
Floriana have yet to declare whether they intend to renew Oliveira’s deal but the Belgian is willing to stay.
“We haven’t talked about it,” the former Fiorentina striker replied when asked about his future as Floriana coach .
“I wish to stay with Floriana because I’m happy here and my family is settled as well.”