Virtus will be looking to put up a better fight in the Champions League qualifiers this season but could suffer another heavy defeat when they take on Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar.
The minnows from San Marino were handed a daunting first-round tie last term as they took on FCSB, a team who ruled the whole of Europe in 1986 under the old guise of Steaua Bucharest.
The Romanians duly dished out an 11-1 aggregate defeat, with Virus suffering the most pain on home turf as they crashed to a 7-1 defeat.
Virtus dropped into the Europa League qualifiers and did much better against Estonian side Flora, taking the tie to extra time before eventually losing 5-2 on aggregate. However, Zrinjski are a step up in class and it would be a surprise if they slipped up in this one.
The Bosnians have a much better European pedigree and graced the group stage of the Conference League two seasons ago, claiming a memorable 4-3 win over AZ Alkmaar and holding Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw.
Their hopes of enjoying another group stage campaign in Europe's third tier ended in brutal fashion last term, with Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes inflicting a 7-0 aggregate defeat in the play-offs.
But Zrinjski now have another shot at the Champions League, after winning their domestic title for the third time in four seasons, and should have too much class for Virtus.
How the bookies view it: Virtus written off
Given how things panned out for Virtus in last season's Champions League qualifiers, it's no surprise to see them as 20/1 rank outsiders with BoyleSports. Zrinjski Mostar are 1/20 favourites and the draw pays 17/2.
Head to head: Another unlucky 13?
These sides have never faced off, with Virtus' only two previous ties in Europe coming against FCSB and Flora. Zrinjski have played against opposition from San Marino before, though, thrashing Tre Penne 13-3 on aggregate in a 2010/11 Europa League qualifier.
Players to watch: Nardin out to fill his boots.
Nardin Mulahusejnovic was Zrinjski Mostar's top scorer last term, netting 14 times in the league. The 27-year-old is approaching his peak and looks their best bet for a goal in this one, although I've yet to see any player prices.
Simone Benincasa is the main man up front for Virtus and scored in the Europa League clash with Flora last term. The Italian forward looks their best bet of grabbing a shock goal.
Probable line-ups
Zrinjski could hand debuts to new signings Leo Mikic, Tyler Burey, Milan Sikanjic and Mateo Susic. Virtus also have a few fresh faces, with Armando Amati, Riccardo Zulli and Matteo Zenoni in contention to start.
Virtus: Passaniti, Pupeschi, Rinaldi, De Lucia, Battistini, Montanari, Golinucci, Sabato, Buonocunto, Vallochia, Benincasa.
Zrinjski Mostar: Karacic, Barisic, Sunjic, Susic, Savic, Kis, Mulahusejnovi, Sikanjic, Burey.
Anything else catch the eye?
Zrinjski Mostar won 9-2 on their last visit to San Marino against Tre Penne so going for goals could be the smart move for punters here. Over 3.5 match goals looks decent value at 11/10 with BoyleSports, while limiting that to over 3.5 Zrinsjki goals boost the odds to 7/5 at Paddy Power.
The Bosnian side will want to assert their dominance from the start so I also like the 11/10 on offer at BoyleSports for over 1.5 first-half goals.
Virtus will probably have to defend deep for most of this game and that could increase the chances of a penalty being awarded. Paddy Power price a spot-kick at 6/5 for this one.
GambleAware