Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 on a high note, riding an impressive six-match unbeaten streak. Their recent performances have demonstrated their potential to challenge the top teams. Despite failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, Italy has added a new layer of determination and grit to their approach under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti has been the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, injecting new vigor and tactical flexibility into the squad. The results have been positive, with Italy going unbeaten in their last six friendly matches. They secured wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March friendlies and managed a 0-0 draw at home against Turkey. Most notably, Italy 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 settle for nothing less than three points from this fixture, hoping to set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania, on the other hand, has secured qualification for only the second time in their history, making their journey to Euro 2024 nothing short of remarkable. Their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic, establishing their resilience and tenacity as a squad not to be overlooked.
Though perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, Albania's mix of experienced players and youthful talent makes them an unpredictable yet formidable opponent. Their recent friendly matches saw dominant performances, including a 3-0 win against Liechtenstein and a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan.
Albania will face Italy in their opening match, followed by challenging encounters with Croatia and Spain. Given the strength and depth of their opponents, Albania will need to draw on all their resources to advance beyond the group 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.
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
In their last five matchups, Italy has maintained a four-match winning streak against Albania, making them the favorites 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.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Given Italy's impressive form and tactical superiority, they are expected to secure a win against Albania. A victory in their opening match would set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament, underscoring their aim to challenge the top teams and go deep into the competition.
Our prediction: Italy will emerge triumphant with a 2-0 scoreline, leveraging their recent momentum and strategic enhancements under Luciano Spalletti.