Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. Their recent performances underscore their potential to challenge top-tier teams. Despite failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has added a layer of determination and grit to their approach.
The mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy is Luciano Spalletti. Spalletti has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the squad, leading them to go unbeaten in their last six friendly matches. The team secured wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March friendlies, 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.
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, emphasizing their ambition and commitment to making a deep run in the tournament.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania has secured qualification for Euro 2024 for only the second time in their history. Their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic. While Albania is perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, their 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, they dominated Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcame Azerbaijan 3-1. Boasting a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, Albania is an unpredictable yet formidable opponent.
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 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: Previous Encounters
Historically, Italy has dominated this match-up, boasting a four-match winning streak against Albania. As favorites for the upcoming clash, another victory would extend Italy's winning run and put them in an advantageous position in Group B.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Italy is expected to secure a win against Albania, given their impressive form and tactical superiority. Understanding the importance of starting their campaign on a high note, the Azzurri will be highly motivated. 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.
Conclusion
Italy's journey into Euro 2024, marked by an unbeaten streak and revitalized under Spalletti's leadership, signals their readiness to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Albania's historic qualification and resilient approach make them formidable opponents. As both teams prepare for their opening match, fans can look forward to an exciting and closely contested encounter.