Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to challenge the top teams in Europe. Despite failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has added a layer of determination and grit to their approach. This renewed focus is largely attributed to Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy. Spalletti has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team, making them a formidable opponent in the tournament.
Italy went unbeaten in their last six friendly matches, securing wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March. They also drew 0-0 at home against Turkey and edged out Bosnia-Herzegovina with a narrow 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game. As they aim for a strong start against Albania in their opening Group B match, Spalletti and his squad will be satisfied with nothing less than three points from this fixture.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania has secured qualification for only the second time in their history, making their journey to Euro 2024 nothing short of remarkable. Their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic, although they are perceived as the biggest underdogs in Group B. Despite this, Albania's resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Facing Italy in their opening match, Albania will then encounter challenging teams like Croatia and Spain. In their recent friendly matches, Albania dominated Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcame Azerbaijan 3-1. The squad boasts a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, making them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent.
Italy vs Albania: Starting Lineups
Italy's probable lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni
- Midfielders: Andrea Cambiaso, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Federico Dimarco
- Forwards: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Scamacca, Federico Chiesa
Albania's probable lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Etrit Berisha
- Defenders: Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Berat Djimsiti, Mario Mitaj
- Midfielders: Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani
- Attacking Midfielder: Nedim Bajrami
- Forwards: Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, Taulant Seferi
Italy vs Albania: Team News
Italy Euro 2024 Squad:
- 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 Euro 2024 Squad:
- 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 (Last Five Games)
Italy has a four-match winning streak against Albania, making them the favorites for the upcoming clash. A victory would not only extend Italy's winning run but also 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.
Italy vs Albania Prediction and Betting Tips
Italy understands the importance of starting their campaign on a high note. A victory in their opening match would set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament, and with Luciano Spalletti's tactical acumen, Italy is well-positioned to achieve that. We predict that Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline, setting them on a promising path in Euro 2024.