Jumping onto the Italian bandwagon headed to Msida St Joseph last summer, was a step into the unknown for young coach Mario Petrone but his team's eye-catching results of late provide an encouraging reflection of his first year's work in Maltese football.

Msida's failure to land a top-six finish had inevitably spewed out a wave of cynicism about the merits of their overall performance, especially after all the hype created by the unofficial takeover of the club by Roberto Goveani, the former Torino president.

Paradoxical as it may sound, Petrone's coaching and man-management skills shone through in times of adversity. His ability to keep his squad united during a tumultuous period when Msida were ravaged by injuries, suffered a string of defeats and had two points deducted due to the misdemeanour of an official, has been repaid with a late flourish.

Now Msida can look forward to a happy ending to an otherwise problem-dogged season as they have virtually secured their Premier League status and are in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.

"As a coach, the one thing that gives me great satisfaction is the response given by my players in these final stages of the season," Petrone told The Times.

"Our players proved that they are men. They have shown a professional attitude from the first day of the season but in the last few games, they have been outstanding, carrying out instructions to perfection.

"Reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy has given everyone at this club a boost," Petrone, 32, added.

"This achievement went some way towards softening the memories of a series of setbacks towards the end of the first phase of the league campaign when our luck literally deserted us.

"Salvation has been our main objective after we missed out on a place in the Championship Pool but frankly I was never concerned about relegation. I have been working with this group of players every day since last summer and I know that we are not a relegation side. What I see here is a group of players willing to work hard and determined to fare even better next season."

Whatever stance one takes on Msida's results this season, there is no denying the progress in their playing style. Msida, edition 2004-2005, strive to keep their tactical shape and to produce flowing football.

"Generally, I am pleased with our performances this season," Petrone said.

"I have always encouraged my team to play open, constructive football and the players have done their best to put my philosophy into practice.

"With regards to the fitness level of the team, I have no complaints. The season is in its closing stages but our players have anything but looked tired in the last few outings."

Now that Petrone has put the foundations in place, the next sensible move for the club is to tie the Italian coach on a longer contract to give him the time required to complete Msida's metamorphosis from relegation battlers to strong candidates for top places.

There is no attempt from Petrone to disguise his intention to stay in the Premier League, preferably with Msida, if this club can match his football ambitions.

"When I joined Msida, the personal agreement I had with Goveani was for me to coach here for one year," Petrone said.

"My wish is to coach in the Premier League next year and to this end, Msida will be my first option. All I ask from the club is to provide me with the means so that we can truly execute this ambitious project of establishing Msida as a top-six club in Malta's top flight.

"There is nothing wrong in raising the standards of this club so long as we have everything in place to perform our duties in a serene and professional atmosphere.

"Coaching is my profession and I always look to give my 100 per cent. I have forged an excellent relationship with the players and I am familiar with the environment here. If Msida give me the possibility to fulfil my ambitions with them, I will be more than happy to stay."

Future projections

The peculiarity of Maltese football normally breeds derision among foreign coaches but refreshingly, Petrone is reluctant to join the growing band of detractors.

"From a working point-of-view, the way the local Premier League season is planned gives me the opportunity to focus on ameliorating different aspects of football preparation at different times," Petrone said.

"This is not possible in Italy where teams are in action week in week out.

"Maltese football has many restrictions and the standard cannot be compared to that of bigger countries.

"Players here are not full-time professionals and this increases the importance for a foreign coach to quickly learn and adapt to the complexities of the local game. This is a challenge in its own right, especially for someone who is in charge of a team outside the so-called elite in the Premier League."

Like many other foreign players and coaches who have had a taste of local football in the last decade, Petrone believes that natural talent is not lacking in Malta but the environment impedes Maltese players from doing justice to their potential.

"This is a rather strange league when set against the main European football background," Petrone said.

"However, there are some players here who are good enough to play in the Serie C.

"Gilbert Agius had a short spell with Pisa. I guess he's one player who has all it takes to make the grade in Italy. There are others like Andrew Cohen, Andre Schembri and Cleaven Frendo... they possess adequate technique. But not being full-time professionals makes it impossible for Maltese players to cope with the psycho-physical demands of international football," Petrone said.

Swinging his attention back to the Premier League, Petrone does not envisage new twists in the title race.

"Sliema Wanderers will be champions this year," he said.

"They have a comfortable lead. A victory against Marsaxlokk this weekend will put Sliema on the brink of success."