Valletta started their 2011 European adventure in style tonight, beating Tre Fiori, of San Marino 3-0 in the Champions League first qualifying round, first leg at the Olympic Stadium of Serravalle.
Denni scored the first goal two minutes before the break. Effiong scored the second in the 50th minute and Gilbert Agius made in three 10 minutes later, from the penalty spot.
Last year, Valletta came close to reaching the third qualifying round of the Europa League only to lose on the away goals rule to Polish side Ruch Chorzow.
This time, the Citizens are fancying their chances of making progress to the second qualifying round, where they will face Lithuania's Ekranas.