BOV Premier League | Valletta 1 – Floriana 0

Matteo Picciolo scored against his former club to give Valletta a narrow 1-0 win over rivals Floriana.

Photo: Dominic Borg
Photo: Dominic Borg

Valletta created the first opportunity of the match on the 28th minute. Ibrahin Raed Saleh hit a shot that went high.

Floriana responded four minutes later. Maurizio Vella sent a pass in the direction of Mario Fontanella and the Italian striker fired a shot that was saved by Henry Bonello.

The citizens threatened again on the 67th minute. Claudio Pani’s cross from a free-kick was met by Kyrian Nwoko who headed the ball slightly over.

Two minutes later, Ini Etim Akpan was on the alert to deny Valletta as he showed good reflexes to save Juan Gill Cruz’s header.

However, Valletta scored the winning goal on the 79th minute. Picciolo received the ball from Nwoko and hit a diagonal shot that gave Akpan no chance.

Floriana tried to hit back, but could not find a way past Valletta’s organised defence.

Valletta starting line-up: Henry Bonello, Jean Borg, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Juan Gill Cruz, Michael Mifsud, Kyrian Nwoko, Claudio Pani, Matteo Picciolo, Ibrah Raed Saleh, Joseph Zerafa

Floriana starting line-up: Ini Etim Akpan, Henrique Oyama, Clyde Borg, Alex Cini, Emerson Marcellina, Mario Fontanella, Enrico Pepe, Steve Pisani, Enzo Ruiz, Ignacio Varela, Maurizio Vella

Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann

Assistant Referees: Alan Camilleri, Jurgen Spiteri

Fourth Official: Peter Abela

BOV Player of the Match: Juan Gill Cruz (Valletta)