Italy's Euro 2024 Preview & Form
Italy enters the Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. Their recent performances demonstrate their potential to challenge the top teams in the tournament. Despite failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has added a layer of determination and grit to their approach under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team. Italy secured wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March friendlies, went unbeaten in their last six friendly matches, and managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their final European Championship warm-up game.
Looking ahead to their opening Group B match against Albania, Italy aims for a strong start. Spalletti and his squad will be satisfied with nothing less than three points from this fixture. Given their impressive form, the Italians are expected to secure a win and set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament.
Albania's Euro 2024 Journey & Challenges
Albania has secured qualification for only the second time in their history. Their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic, which highlights their resilience and tenacity. However, Albania is perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, facing challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain after their match against Italy.
In their recent friendly matches, Albania dominated Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcame Azerbaijan 3-1. The team boasts a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, making them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent. Albania will have to leverage their grit and determination to make an impact against Italy.
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
- Federico Chiesa
Albania's probable lineup includes:
- 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 includes several key 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 roster features the following players:
- 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
Head-to-Head Record and Predictions
Italy has a four-match winning streak against Albania and is the favorite for the upcoming clash. A victory would extend Italy's winning run and place 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. We predict that Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline. This victory would set a positive tone for Italy's Euro 2024 campaign and solidify their standing as one of the tournament's top contenders. Italy's impressive six-match unbeaten streak and tactical flexibility, combined with Albania's unpredictable nature and resilience, promise an exciting and competitive match. As both teams prepare for their opening game, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a thrilling encounter.