Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 riding an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. Their recent performances have shown the potential to challenge Europe's top teams. Despite their resurgence, it's essential to remember that Italy failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, adding a layer of determination and grit to their approach for this tournament.
Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the squad. Under his guidance, Italy went unbeaten in their last six friendly matches, securing wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March. They also managed a 0-0 draw at home against Turkey and narrowly edged out Bosnia-Herzegovina with a 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game.
The Azzurri aim for a strong start against Albania in their opening Group B match. Spalletti and his squad will settle for nothing less than three points from this fixture, setting the tone for the rest of their campaign.
Albania Preview & Form
On the other hand, Albania has secured qualification for only the second time in their history. Their journey to the tournament was marked by notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic. Although perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania's resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Albania will face Italy in their opening match and will subsequently encounter challenging matches against Croatia and Spain. The team has displayed formidable form in recent friendlies, dominating Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcoming Azerbaijan with a 3-1 victory. Albania 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: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni; Andrea Cambiaso, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, Federico Dimarco; Lorenzo Pellegrini; Gianluca Scamacca, Federico Chiesa.
Albania's probable lineup: Etrit Berisha; Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Berat Djimsiti, Mario Mitaj; Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani; Nedim Bajrami; Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, Taulant Seferi.
Team News
Italy's 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's 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 maintained a four-match winning streak against Albania in their previous encounters. They are expected to continue this run and are the favorites for the upcoming clash. A victory would not only extend Italy's winning streak but also put them in an advantageous 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 Azzurri understand 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. We predict that Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline.
Italy enters Euro 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by an impressive unbeaten streak and a tactical revamp under Luciano Spalletti. Although they failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, their recent form and resilience make them strong contenders. On the other hand, Albania’s journey to Euro 2024 has been remarkable, marked by significant victories and a balanced mix of experience and youth. Despite being the underdogs, their resilience and tenacity make them a team to watch. However, given Italy’s tactical edge, Italy is expected to secure a win against Albania.