Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini expects his team to handle Europa League qualifier opponents Maribor.

The Rosanero have been paired with the Slovenians in the play-off for the competition.

"Personally playing against a Slovenian side suits me, as it's close to my house in Austria," he told reterete24.it.

"It's also true they will play the game of their lives when faced by a Serie A team. Slovenian football is similar to Austrian in terms of quality.

"Maribor are currently top of the Slovenian League and their football is to be respected, if you consider that this nation of 1.5m inhabitants took part in the World Cup this year.

"Having said all that, if we go out against Maribor, then it means Palermo really don't belong in the Europa League.

"In previous years we snubbed this competition, but not this time."