Parma to visit Malta for training camp

Parma will be visiting Malta for a training camp between December 28 and January 4 and will take part in a tournament together with Valletta and Hibernians on December 30. This was revealed during a press conference at the Le Meridien St. Julian’s on Tuesday.
On behalf of JPL Sports Events, Louis Agius gave the details about the training camp saying the main highlight will be the Malta Christmas Cup which will be played on December 30 at the Hibernians Stadium, kick-off at 20:00.
In the first game, Valletta take on Hibernians. The loser then faces Parma in the second game and in the third game, Parma take on the winner of the match Valletta-Hibs.
The games will each be 45 minutes long and if the result is still draw at the end of the 45 minutes, penalty-kicks will decide the issue. Three points will be awarded for wins at the end of the 45 minutes, two points for wins on penalties and one point for defeats on penalties.
Tickets are already on sale for €10 from L-Amerikan – Valletta, Teamsport – Iklin and Hibernians Football Club.
Parma Calcio representative Gianni Lacche thanked all those who made this visit by Parma possible. He said the Maltese had shown great hospitality and hoped that this training camp was only the beginning of a long relationship between the Italian club and Malta.
Lacche revealed that a group of 250 persons will be travelling to Malta for the training camp and the tournament, besides spending New Year’s Eve and the New Year here.
He said there is a lot of expectations for the tournament who will also be transmitted on Sky Italia.
Hibernians secretary Stephen Abela said the tournament will be a big occasion for the Paolites and especially for the younger players in the squad. He launched an appeal for all football followers to attend.
Valletta president Victor Sciriha said the club was honoured to be invited to take part in the tournament after meeting Juventus two years ago and Ancona last year and hoped Valletta will give their best.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli said such training camps and tournaments will contribute further to sports tourism besides giving more exposure to Malta.
Giorgio Ranieri from Media Sport Events, Angela Saliba from Le Meridien St. Julian’s and Brian Bartolo from Air Malta also addressed those present.