Italy Preview & Current Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 on the back of an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to challenge the top teams. Despite their recent strong performances, it's worth noting that Italy failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. However, their recent form suggests a team with renewed determination and grit.
Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the squad. Under his guidance, Italy has gone unbeaten in their last six friendly matches. Significant victories in March friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador further cemented their status. Although they drew 0-0 at home to Turkey, Italy edged out Bosnia-Herzegovina with a narrow 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game.
Italy aims 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, aiming to begin their campaign on a high note.
Albania Preview & Current 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, proving their resilience and tenacity. Despite being perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania's blend of experience and youthful talent makes them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent.
In recent friendly matches, Albania dominated Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcame Azerbaijan 3-1. They now face significant challenges in Group B, starting with Italy, followed by encounters against Croatia and Spain. Albania's resilience cannot be overlooked as they aim to make an impact in the tournament.
Starting Lineups
For the match against Albania, Italy's probable lineup includes Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni in defense; Andrea Cambiaso, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, and Federico Dimarco in midfield; Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Scamacca, and Federico Chiesa in the forward positions.
Albania's probable lineup features Etrit Berisha as the goalkeeper; Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Berat Djimsiti, and Mario Mitaj in defense; Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani in midfield; Nedim Bajrami as the attacking midfielder; with Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, and Taulant Seferi leading the attack.
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: Nicolò Barella, Bryan Cristante, Michael Folorunsho, Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolò 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.
H2H Record & Predictions
Italy boasts 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 under Spalletti, 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.
Prediction
Given their current form and tactical approach, Italy is predicted to emerge triumphant in this fixture. A 2-0 scoreline in favor of Italy seems a plausible outcome, as they aim to start their Euro 2024 campaign with a strong performance.