Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 riding high on the back of an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. Under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti, the Italian squad has shown great potential to challenge the top teams. Despite failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has added a layer of determination and grit to their approach, aiming to make a strong comeback on the European stage.
Spalletti has been the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, injecting new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team. This new approach has borne fruit, as evidenced by their unbeaten run in the last six friendly matches. Italy secured wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March friendlies, drew 0-0 at home to Turkey, and edged out Bosnia-Herzegovina with a narrow 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game.
Italy aims to start their Euro 2024 campaign strong, facing 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
For Albania, qualifying for Euro 2024 marks only the second time in their history that they have reached the tournament. Their path to qualification included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic. Despite being perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania's resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Albania's journey to the tournament has been nothing short of remarkable. They dominated Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win in friendlies and overcame Azerbaijan 3-1 in another preparatory match. The Albanian squad boasts a balanced mix of experience and youthful talent, making them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent.
Albania will face Italy in their opening match before taking on the challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain. Their performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their fate in the tournament.
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
Italy holds a strong head-to-head record against Albania, winning all four of their last five encounters. Italy is undoubtedly the favorite for the upcoming clash, with a victory set to extend their winning streak and put them in an advantageous position in Group B.
Italy vs Albania: Prediction and Betting Tips
Italy is 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, bolstering their morale and confidence.
Given Italy’s impressive form and tactical superiority under Spalletti, they are poised to dominate Albania. Our prediction is that Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline, setting the stage for a promising run at Euro 2024.