Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their potential to challenge the top teams in the tournament. Despite failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has injected a renewed sense of determination and grit into their squad.
The driving force behind Italy's resurgence is Luciano Spalletti, who has redefined the team's strategy. Spalletti has implemented new vigor and tactical flexibility, making Italy a formidable opponent once again. Their recent friendly matches underscore this transformation. Italy went unbeaten in their last six friendlies, securing wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March, drawing 0-0 at home to Turkey, and edging out Bosnia-Herzegovina with a narrow 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game.
Italy aims 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, understanding the importance of beginning their campaign on a high note.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania has qualified for Euro 2024 for only the second time in their history. Their path to the tournament was marked by notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic, proving that they are not to be underestimated.
Despite being perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania's resilience and tenacity are qualities that cannot be overlooked. They will face Italy in their opening match, followed by challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain. Albania's recent friendly performances have been encouraging, with a 3-0 win against Liechtenstein and a 3-1 triumph over Azerbaijan.
Albania boasts a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, making them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent. They will be looking to make a statement in their opening game against Italy.
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)
Historically, Italy has a four-match winning streak against Albania. This positions Italy as the favorite for the upcoming clash, suggesting confidence in their capability to secure another victory in this match. A victory would extend Italy's winning run and 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. Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team. Despite Italy's failure to qualify for the last two World Cups, they now look poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. On the other hand, Albania’s journey to Euro 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Their resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked, although given Italy’s superior form, the Azzurri are expected to secure a win against Albania.