Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to challenge the top teams in the competition. Despite their struggles in the past two World Cups, where they failed to qualify, Italy has added a layer of determination and grit to their approach under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti. The mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, Spalletti has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team.
In their last six friendly matches, Italy went unbeaten, securing wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March friendlies. They also drew 0-0 at home to Turkey and edged out Bosnia-Herzegovina with a narrow 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game. Italy aims to start strong against Albania in their opening Group B match, with Spalletti and his squad aiming for nothing less than three points from this fixture.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania has secured qualification for only the second time in their history, marking a milestone in their football journey. Their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic. Often perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania's resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Albania will face Italy in their opening match, followed by challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain. In recent friendlies, Albania dominated Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcame Azerbaijan 3-1, demonstrating their capability. Boasting a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, Albania remains an unpredictable yet formidable opponent.
Italy vs Albania: Starting Lineups
Italy's probable lineup includes Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni; Andrea Cambiaso, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Federico Dimarco; Lorenzo Pellegrini; Gianluca Scamacca, and Federico Chiesa.
Albania's probable lineup features Etrit Berisha; Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Berat Djimsiti, Mario Mitaj; Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani; Nedim Bajrami; Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, and Taulant Seferi.
Italy vs Albania: Team News
Italy's Euro 2024 squad includes the following players:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, Guglielmo Vicario.
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni, Raoul Bellanova, Alessandro Buongiorno, Andrea Cambiaso, Riccardo Calafiori, Matteo Darmian, Federico Dimarco, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, Federico Gatti.
Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Michael Folorunsho, Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Fagioli.
Forwards: Mattia Zaccagni, Federico Chiesa, Stephan El Shaarawy, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui, Gianluca Scamacca.
Albania's Euro 2024 squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Etrit Berisha, Elhan Kastrati, Thomas Strakosha.
Defenders: Arlind Ajeti, Naser Aliji, Ivan Balliu, Berat Djimsiti, Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Enea Mihaj, Mario Mitaj, Marash Kumbulla.
Midfielders: Amir Abrashi, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami, Medon Berisha, Klaus Gjasula, Qazim Laci, Ernest Muci, Ylber Ramadani.
Forwards: Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, Mirlind Daku, Arber Hoxha, Rey Manaj, Taulant Seferi.
Italy vs Albania H2H Record and Prediction
Italy has a four-match winning streak against Albania, making them the favorites for the upcoming clash. A victory would extend Italy's winning run and put them in an advantageous position in Group B. Given Italy’s impressive form and tactical superiority, they are expected to secure a win against Albania.
A victory in their opening match would set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament. Considering the current form and the quality of players in both squads, our prediction is that Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline.
Italy understands the importance of starting their campaign on a high note, and their determination combined with strategic acumen will likely prove too much for Albania to handle. As they aim for a triumphant start, all eyes will be on Spalletti’s men to see if they can continue their unbeaten streak and forge ahead in Euro 2024.