Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to challenge the top teams. Despite their failure to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has added a layer of determination and grit to their approach, largely thanks to Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy.
Spalletti has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team, steering Italy to remain unbeaten in their last six friendly matches. In the March friendlies, Italy secured wins against Venezuela and Ecuador, demonstrating their readiness for the European stage. A 0-0 draw at home to Turkey and a narrow 1-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final European Championship warm-up game further underline their solid preparations.
As 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.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania’s journey to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable, securing qualification for only the second time in their history. Their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic, demonstrating their capability to upset more renowned footballing nations.
Albania is perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, but their resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked. Following their opening match against Italy, Albania will face challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain. However, their recent form, including a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein and a 3-1 victory against Azerbaijan in friendlies, shows they are not to be underestimated.
Boasting a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, Albania is an unpredictable yet formidable opponent ready to give their all on the grand stage.
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'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 a four-match winning streak against Albania and is favored for the upcoming clash. A victory would extend Italy's winning run and place 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. Understanding 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.