Floriana have completed the signing of Malta Under-21 international Nikita Shchepetkin on a long-term contract, adding another young defensive option ahead of the new domestic season.
The Greens confirmed the move on Monday, describing the 19-year-old as a talented centre-back with international experience and significant potential.
Shchepetkin can operate centrally or on the right side of defence, giving Floriana added flexibility as they prepare to compete on domestic and European fronts. He has already featured twice in Davide Mazzotta’s Malta U21 side.
Experience across four countries
Born in 2006 and holding Maltese and Russian nationality, Shchepetkin developed in Birkirkara’s youth system before continuing his football education abroad.
His pathway included spells in Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Rot-Weiss Essen, followed by senior football with Dinamo Moscow’s second team in Russia.
In February, he joined Italian club Livorno. The Serie C side’s official announcement highlighted his ability to play both at centre-back and on the right, as well as the varied experience gathered during his development.
That background now returns to Maltese football with Floriana, who have secured the defender beyond a short-term arrangement. The length of the contract was not disclosed, but the club confirmed it is a long-term deal.
Part of Malta’s next generation
Shchepetkin has also established himself within Malta’s Under-21 set-up. He featured among the defenders selected by Davide Mazzotta during the 2026 qualifying programme and was included in the squad for March’s European qualifiers against Greece and Georgia.
He was again named in Malta’s Under-21 squad ahead of the Moldova friendly, underlining his place in the national team’s plans.
For Floriana, the signing combines immediate squad depth with longer-term development value. Shchepetkin’s mobility and ability to cover more than one defensive role should offer useful options across a demanding schedule.
The move also gives the player an opportunity to earn regular football in Malta after a formative period abroad. With European experience already on Floriana’s agenda, his arrival adds competition to the back line while bringing another Malta-qualified player into the squad.
