Valletta have appointed Giovanni Tedesco as their new head coach, the Premier League club announced.

The Italian coach replaces Darren Abdilla who was sacked by the Malta champions on Monday following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Birkirkara.

Tedesco held talks with the Valletta top hierarchy on Wednesday morning and an agreement was reached which that saw the former Birkirkara, Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans coach put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season, with an option of extending his stay further.

Contacted by The Times of Malta, Tedesco said that he is really looking forward to this new challenge and said that he couldn't turn down the chance of managing Malta's biggest club.

"I am so happy to be given the opportunity to coach Valletta FC," Tedesco said.

"There has been a lot talk about why I moved to Valletta but it had nothing to do with money. The truth is that I couldn't turn down the chance to manage the biggest and most prestigious club in Maltese football.

"I'm aware of the pressure that this job brings about with it but I relish this challenge and hopefully I can help the club to more trophies this season."

At Valletta, Tedesco’s main task will be to lead the Citizens in their fight to win a third successive league title and takes over a team who are in prime position to reach their objective.

In fact, despite their defeat to Birkirkara last Sunday, Valletta are still sharing top spot with Floriana with eight matches remaining.

Tedesco met his new players on Wednesday afternoon when he lead their first training session.

Ironically, Tedesco is expected to make his debut as Valletta coach on Friday when the Citizens take on his former team Gżira United at the National Stadium.