Francesco Guidolin is taking nothing for granted when his Parma side faces Hibernians and Valletta in the Christmas Cup triangular tournament at the Hibs Stadium tonight.
The Serie A side are the main attraction for the tournament that consists of three 45-minute matches with the opening fixture, featuring the two local teams, kicking off at 8 p.m.
Guidolin conceded that he has little information on Maltese football but is still treating the occasion with due respect as he looks to step up Parma's preparations ahead of the second part of the 2009-10 campaign.
"We know very little about Maltese football in general but still I'm looking forward to the tournament as I'm curious to see the level of the game here," Guidolin told reporters yesterday.
"I have been told that Valletta and Hibernians are among the best on the island so that makes the challenge more interesting. I want my players to be pushed hard by our opponents as it will help us keep in shape and stay in form."
Guidolin, 54, said he will be fielding all players in his 18-man squad in Malta with the exception of strikers Alberto Paloschi and Jonathan Biabiany who are currently recovering from injuries.
The Parma coach also confirmed that today he will try out a number of options in defence ahead of their next Serie A match against Juventus on January 6.
"One of my main objectives here will be to try out some players in central defence," said Guidolin who will be without the suspended Massimo Paci and Alessandro Lucarelli for the match in Turin's Olympic Stadium next week.
"We could also try Cristian Zaccardo in a central position or opt for a three-man defence. But we'll see how it goes during the tournament."
Parma are the surprise package of the Serie A this season following promotion from division two. They are currently sharing fourth spot in the league standings with Roma on 28 points.
Asked whether the Christmas break could hurt his team's quest of maintaining their current high position, Guidolin had a clear response.
"Two-and-a-half weeks of holidays is too much," Guidolin, who had coaching spells with Palermo, Atalanta, Udinese, Vicenza, Bologna and Monaco, said.
"In my opinion, the Italian league should have a shorter stop at this time of the year because it's not easy to get the team back in rhythm. Unfortunately, it's not people like me who take decisions so we'll have to adapt.
"When the league resumes we play Juventus who are still a strong team despite some bad results of late. It's going to be a very difficult match for us. So, hopefully, this training camp will help us prepare well and get a positive result."
Caanen's déjà-vu
Ton Caanen, the Valletta coach, will be facing Parma for the second time in his coaching career.
In fact, in 2003 the Dutchman was in charge of Ukraine side Metalurg Donetsk who played Parma in the first round of the UEFA Cup.
The first leg finished 1-1 but the Serie A team sealed qualification with a 3-0 win in Italy.
"I have some fond memories of Parma from my time with Metalurg Donetsk," Caanen said.
"I remember their coach at the time, Cesare Prandelli, was positively surprised by Metalurg's performance in Ukraine.
"Two years ago few people gave Valletta a chance against Juventus but they won on penalties."
Caanen is expected to give Irishman Declan O'Brien his first outing for the club at Corradino today after the former St Patrick's striker agreed to join the Citizens on a free transfer earlier this month.
Mark Miller, the Hibs coach, was equally relishing the prospect of facing Parma today.
"All players in my squad are raring to play a part against Parma but it will be a bit difficult to satisfy everyone," a smiling Miller said.
"Football is a competitive game and we want to put up a strong show against Valletta and Parma. I'm sure this will be a memorable occasion for all football lovers here."