Europa Conference League: The New Saints take aim at ‘Goliaths’ Fiorentina

Not that TNS will have been much of a draw.

Their name was barely mentioned to Palladino in the pre-match press-conference, with more focus on being ready for Sunday’s clash with AC Milan.

In Cymru Premier-contrast, TNS face Briton Ferry Llansawel on their return.

But in a city of cultural significance, this game is a historical one too for Welsh domestic football.

While Welsh clubs have all had their runs and remarkable results in Europe – Cardiff City’s 1971 win over Real Madrid, Newport and Wrexham reaching the Cup Winner’s Cup quarter-finals, Swansea City beating Valencia at the Mestalla as recently as ten years ago – this is uncharted territory for a club from the country’s own league pyramid.

Amid the recent talk of the EFL clubs being offered a return to possible qualification, it would be timely to show they are not completely out of place at this level, even as complete underdogs.

“A lot of the time, from a domestic point of view, we are heavy favourites so the tables will be turned and we’ll be going there and really enjoying the occasion,” said Harrison, who has leaned on the knowledge of Como’s Welsh technical director Osian Roberts for some tips.

“Every single one of us in that dressing room at some point – including myself – would have been a young boy dreaming of something like this and it will actually be happening.

“We will all be like that, from the owner right the way through to the staff. We’ll all be there, but we’ve got to remember we’re there to do a job.”

Stood tall just a few miles away, David would surely approve of such ambition.