Gzira coach Giovanni Tedesco, newly appointed after the end of the past season, is quite confident that his side can obtain a positive result this afternoon against Hajduk Split of Croatia in the first leg of the tie.

The match is being played at the Centenary Stadium and kicks off at 6pm.

It will be Tedesco's official debut with Gzira, but he said he is aware that it will not be an easy task. "The Hajduk squad is strong and includes several experienced players. Moreover, they are well ahead of us in preparation as their championship starts in 10 days' time. And they have played a good number of friendly matches. Obviously they are one of the best sides in their country with a rich history.

"Despite everything, I think this challenge will be fascinating for us. And I am sure my boys will be doing their utmost though giving full respect to their opponents," he said.

The Italian mentor has not yet decided on his starting eleven. "I will only announce the line-up this afternoon as I still have some doubts about three players," he added.

Tedesco went on to say that he is very happy with his squad, especially with the Maltese players who were giving their all to be able to do well in this tie against the Croatian side.

He added that striker Amadou Samb is still recovering following last season's injury. "He will be with the squad, but not in the starting line-up. We hope that he will be totally fit when the League starts," he said.

He showered praise on former Gzira coaches Darren Abdilla and Jesmond Zerafa. "It is to their credit that I am here today leading Gzira in the Europa League encounter. However, my team will play in a different manner," he said.

The Maroons captain, Andrew Cohen, also addressed the press and agreed with the coach that it will be a difficult game. "But we have been training seriously for the last six weeks and we have studied our opponents in the hope that we will be able to emerge from the ordeal with a positive result," he said.