Sliema Wanderers are targeting a repeat of their lively home performance when they meet Ferencvaros in the second leg of their Europa League first qualifying round game this evening at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium (kick-off 8.30pm).
The tie is finely-poised after the initial leg, played last week at the National Stadium, ended 1-1.
Satisfaction at the Blues’ confident display was tempered by the knowledge that they ought to have won the match after missing a host of chances, including a first-half penalty that was driven wide by Michael Mifsud.
Italian defender Andrea Scozzese, in his first season with Sliema following a very positive spell with Division One club Gudja United, is backing the Wanderers to reproduce last week’s positive showing this evening .
“We expect to play like we did in the first leg,” Scozzese said.
“I’m confident that we can produce another good performance . We must not concede a goal in the first half as that would improve our chances. Up front, Sliema have enough firepower to score a goal here.
“They are the favourites but we will concentrate on our game.”
Although these are still early days, Scozzese looks to have struck up a strong partnership with fellow Italian countryman Stefano Bianciardi in the heart of the Sliema defence.
“Our showing in the first leg has given us a lot of confidence,” Scozzese, 25, said.
“My team-mates have been very helpful. This is my first experience in European football and I’m enjoying it a lot.
“I can’t wait for the next match.”
Sliema coach Alfonso Greco is expected to field the same team that started last week’s match.
Former striker Ivan Woods, who retired after Sliema’s 1-0 defeat to Valletta in last season’s U*Bet FA Trophy final, has been appointed first-team assistant coach.
Mark Vella has stayed on as goalkeeping coach after extending his contract for another two years.
Hibs in Slovakia
Hibs will be aiming to show their true worth after Jonathan Pearson’s early red card shattered their hopes in the Europa League first qualifying round, first leg, against Spartak Trnava who won 4-2 at Ta’ Qali.
Pearson is suspended for today’s match (kick-off 7.30pm).
Striker Luis Edison is also out as he is still serving a four-match ban following a red card against Vojvodina last season.