Italy Preview & Form
Entering Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, Italy has showcased their potential to challenge the top teams. While the disappointment of failing to qualify for the last two World Cups still lingers, a renewed sense of determination and grit seems evident in their current approach. Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team.
Italy's recent run includes unbeaten records in their last six friendly matches, securing wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March. They also managed a goalless draw at home to Turkey and narrowly defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina with a 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game.
Spalletti and his squad are eyeing a strong start in their opening Group B match against Albania, with nothing less than three points expected from this fixture.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania has qualified for the Euro tournament for just the second time in their history, marking a significant milestone for the team. Their path to qualification was paved with notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic, boosting their status as one of the most resilient and tenacious underdogs in Group B.
Though perceived as the biggest underdog, Albania's balanced mix of experience and youthful talent makes them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent. They head into Euro 2024 with momentum from friendly matches, including a dominating 3-0 win against Liechtenstein and a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan.
Facing Italy in their opening match, Albania knows the challenge ahead. Following this, they will encounter Croatia and Spain, adding to the already tough competition in their group.
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
- Forwards: Nedim Bajrami, Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, Taulant Seferi
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
Historically, Italy has dominated the head-to-head record against Albania, boasting a four-match winning streak. A victory in the upcoming clash would not only extend Italy's winning run but also place them in a favorable position in Group B.
Italy vs. Albania: Prediction and Betting Tips
Given Italy’s impressive form and tactical superiority, they are expected to secure a win against Albania. The importance of starting their campaign on a high note cannot be overstated for the Italians. We predict that Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline, setting a positive tone for the rest of the tournament.