Birkirkara’s encounter with the rejuvenated Floriana tomorrow promises to be an emotionally-charged occasion for coach Giovanni Tedesco as it will be his first game against his former club since taking charge of the Stripes last summer.

“In my playing career, I’ve been involved in many matches against former clubs, so this is not a new situation for me,” Tedesco told Times of Malta.

“But this is slightly different.

“I have fond memories of my spell with Floriana and the persons that were close to me during my time at the club, the likes of Peter Agius, Anthony Grech Sant and the president (Riccardo Gaucci) who is like a brother to me.

“I have to say that I’m pleased that Gaucci is suspended for this game as his presence gives his team that extra push.

“This game will elicit a mixture of sentiments but on the other hand, my team is my priority and our objective is to keep winning.

“A part of me will always be linked to Floriana and the people I worked with. Last season was very positive for Floriana and we managed to bring through some interesting youngsters.”

After finishing fifth under Tedesco last season, Floriana, now led by former Fiorentina stalwart Luis Oliveira, came through a stuttering start to this year’s championship to climb up to fourth in the standings, level on 19 points with Hibernians.

Tedesco believes that Floriana are stronger than last season because they can rely on more experienced players, especially the foreigners.

“The team is doing well,” Tedesco said of Floriana’s campaign so far.

“They are well-organised but I must point out that this season’s team is different from last year.

“Last season’s squad comprised more Maltese players, especially youngsters, but the current Floriana team is more complete because they can rely on players who have more experience.”

Narrowing his focus to Birkirkara, Tedesco reiterated his satisfaction at the team spirit shown by his players in the 1-1 draw against Hibs and the 4-1 demolition of Balzan.

“Beyond the four goals and the performance, I was pleased that the players demonstrated that they have rediscovered the collective spirit, that resolve to fight until the end,” he said.

Tedesco is not the only member of the Birkirkara clan who will be facing his former club tomorrow as Slovenian striker Vito Plut and Brazilian midfielder Emerson Marcelina also donned the green shirt last season.

Marcelina faces a race against time to recover from a knock that kept him out of the Balzan win while wing-back Edward Herrera is still sidelined.

Oliveira, the Floriana coach, is concerned about the fitness of a host of players, namely defender Andrea Scozzese, Jurgen Pisani and Emanuel Briffa.

Buoyed by back-to-back wins over Balzan and Pembroke, Oliveira wants Floriana to keep the momentum going before the international break.

“It’s an important game, moreso as it comes just before an international break,” Oliveira told Times of Malta.

“We really need to play at full throttle and leave the pitch knowing that we have given our maximum.

“We always set out to win, that’s our objective, but for this game, it’s important that we don’t lose.

“We are very close to the leading pack in the table and we want to stay there.”

Running the rule over Birkirkara, Oliveira said they are not just about Fabrizio Miccoli.

“Birkirkara are the most in-form team,” Oliveira said.

“They’ve got some great players, not just Miccoli who is obviously very good and dangerous in set-pieces, but others as well.

“Birkirkara are strong from defence right through to their forward line.

“We need to pay a lot of attention and not give them the opportunity to score from set-pieces.”

Floriana’s comeback victory against Pembroke coming hot on the heels of an eye-catching 2-0 win over Balzan, has fuelled talk that Oliveira’s team can play a prominent role in this season’s title race.

Oliveira is optimistic. “The squad has what it takes to challenge for the top positions,” Oliveira said.

“The foreign players have adapted to the characteristics of Maltese football.

“It’s fundamental that we keep working hard and give our all in every game if we want to stay on track.”

Programme

Playing today
Hibs Stadium: 18.00 Tarxien vs Mosta; 20.00 Hibs vs St Andrew’s.
Tedesco Stadium: 18.00 Valletta vs Pembroke; 20.15 Naxxar vs Qormi.

Tomorrow
Tedesco Stadium: 14.00 Balzan vs Sliema; 16.15 Floriana vs Birkirkara.

Division One
Today: (Centenary Stadium) 19.30 Rabat Ajax vs Ħamrun Spartans.

Current standings

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Valletta	10	7	1	2	19	9	22
Birkirkara	10	6	3	1	26	10	21
Balzan	10	6	2	2	16	9	20
Floriana	10	6	1	3	18	11	19
Hibernians	10	5	4	1	16	12	19
Tarxien	10	5	3	2	18	9	18
Mosta	10	5	2	3	17	12	17
Sliema	10	4	2	4	9	13	14
Pembroke	10	3	1	6	16	22	10
Naxxar Lions	10	2	0	8	8	27	6
Qormi	10	1	1	8	8	17	4
St Andrew’s	10	0	0	10	6	26	0