The connections between Everton and Thursday's Europa League opposition are very few and far between.
We’ve only had two Swiss players in the Premier League era and had never encountered BSC Young Boys prior to last week's first leg, having in fact played no competitive games against teams from the country at all.
But there is one man who, in between two separate spells representing Young Boys, played an important part in maintaining Everton’s record presence in the English top-flight.
Gaetano Giallanza was at Bolton Wanderers for the latter stages of the 1997/98 season when the Blues and the Trotters were both flirting dangerously with relegation.
With all games kicking off at 3pm on 10 May 1998 - the final afternoon of that campaign - Everton needed to get something from their clash with Coventry City and better Bolton's result at Chelsea to ensure their Premier League survival.
And while Gareth Farrelly’s seventh-minute strike ultimately earned the point that saved the Blues' season, it could all have ended so differently.
Bolton were 1-0 down at Stamford Bridge, but moments after Dion Dublin had equalised for Coventry at Goodison Park, a golden opportunity fell Giallanza’s way.
The Swiss–born striker had joined on loan from Nantes in March and he emerged from the bench for what would be just his third appearance for the Lancashire side.
And, with even some Chelsea fans roaring Bolton on in their quest for a leveller, Alan Thompson clipped a ball into the box right towards an unmarked Giallanza.
On a day of ifs, buts and maybes, Evertonians can look back now and be truly thankful the former FC Basel and Norwich City striker somehow failed to connect with a free header on the edge of the six–yard box.
Chelsea went on to win 2-0 but who can say what would have happened had Giallanza levelled?
Giallanza is now a football agent, representing players at the likes of VFL Wolfsburg, FC Basel, Shrewsbury Town and BSC Young Boys.
And, with his knowledge of our Swiss opponents, their growing talent and the English game, we caught up with him to get his thoughts on the second leg – and that afternoon in mid-1998…
What can you tell us about BSC Young Boys as a club? How different was it in your two spells there?They are a solid club who are investing a lot to try to win the league or the cup in Switzerland. It’s been some 30 years since they last won the national championship. They are trying to compete with FC Basel, who have been the best in the country for the last few years. When I was there, the structure of the club was not so professional like it is these days. The first time I was playing in the old traditional stadium, and the second time they were just building the new stadium, where Everton played last week. But I had a very successful time, individually and also as a team. I have very good memories of being there.
How would you describe the standard of Swiss football in 2015?The Swiss league has made a lot of progress in the last few years. The best example is FC Basel - the Club are in the Champions League every year and this year they beat Liverpool at home and drew at Anfield to qualify for the knockout stages. But it's not only Basel. With Young Boys also reaching the last 32 of the Europa League – that's not bad for a country with a population of only eight million people.
How do you reflect on playing in English football?I love the way they play in England and I admire the passion of the supporters for their club. The players always give everything on the pitch and they have a great mentality. And the supporters are great. Even when the team is going through a difficult time, they will always support them. I’m very happy to have had my experience in English football.
Everton and Bolton were both involved in a dramatic last day of the 1997/98 season – what are your memories of that day?
It was a sad day for Bolton and I. We lost the game at Chelsea and got relegated, while Everton stayed up. I will never forget this day - I came on as a sub and had a great chance to score! At the end, our supporters all stood up and clapped with tears in their eyes. It was very sad, but the supporters where great. You will only see things like that in England.
Who are the Young Boys players we should be looking out for at Goodison?The young goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo is doing very well for his age – he's only 20. In the defence, Milan Vilotic is giving a good balance after returning from some injury problems. Sékou Sanogo is doing a very good job in midfield and up front they have Renato Steffen, who is always capable of scoring a goal, and, of course, Guillaume Hoarau, who is an experienced player and scored last week. Guillaume is big and strong, good in the air, someone who can keep the ball well and is always ready to score.