Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters the Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. This run underscores their potential to challenge the top teams in Europe. Remarkably, Italy missed qualification for the last two World Cups, which has added a layer of determination and grit to their current approach.
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 the March friendlies. Additionally, they 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.
For their opening Group B match, Italy aims for a strong start against Albania. Spalletti and his squad will be satisfied with nothing less than three points from this fixture.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania's journey to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. They secured qualification for only the second time in their history, with notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic marking their path to the tournament. Despite being perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania’s resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Albania will face Italy in their opening match, followed by challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain. In recent friendlies, 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.
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.
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 favorite 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.
Italy vs Albania Prediction and Betting Tips
Given Italy’s impressive form and tactical superiority, they are expected to secure a win against Albania. Italy understands the importance of starting their campaign on a high note, and 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 an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to challenge Europe’s top teams. With Luciano Spalletti at the helm, Italy boasts new vigor and tactical flexibility. On the other hand, Albania’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, fueled by resilience and tenacity. While Italy is the favorite, Albania’s unpredictability adds an intriguing layer to this opening match.