Italy Preview & Form
Italy enters Euro 2024 with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their 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 under Luciano Spalletti's leadership. Spalletti, the mastermind behind Italy's revamped strategy, has injected new vigor and tactical flexibility into the team.
In recent friendly matches, Italy went unbeaten, securing wins against Venezuela and Ecuador in March friendlies. They also drew 0-0 at home against Turkey and narrowly defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina with a 1-0 victory in their final European Championship warm-up game.
Heading into the tournament, 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. Italy's probable lineup for the match includes Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Alessandro Bastoni in defense; Andrea Cambiaso, Bryan Cristante, Jorginho, and Federico Dimarco in midfield; Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Scamacca, and Federico Chiesa leading the attack.
Albania Preview & Form
Albania has secured qualification for only the second time in their history, and their path to the tournament included notable victories against Poland and the Czech Republic. While they are perceived as the biggest underdog in Group B, their resilience and tenacity cannot be overlooked.
Albania's friendly matches saw them dominating Liechtenstein with a 3-0 win and overcoming Azerbaijan 3-1. The 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, followed by challenging encounters against Croatia and Spain.
Albania's probable lineup for the match includes Etrit Berisha in goal; Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Berat Djimsiti, and Mario Mitaj in defense; Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani in midfield; Nedim Bajrami, Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, and Taulant Seferi in attack.
Team News
For Euro 2024, Italy's squad includes goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, and Guglielmo Vicario. The defenders are Alessandro Bastoni, Raoul Bellanova, Alessandro Buongiorno, Andrea Cambiaso, Riccardo Calafiori, Matteo Darmian, Federico Dimarco, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, and Federico Gatti. Midfielders include Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Michael Folorunsho, Davide Frattesi, Jorginho, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Nicolo Fagioli. The forwards are Mattia Zaccagni, Federico Chiesa, Stephan El Shaarawy, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui, and Gianluca Scamacca.
Albania's squad features goalkeepers Etrit Berisha, Elhan Kastrati, and Thomas Strakosha. Their defenders are Arlind Ajeti, Naser Aliji, Ivan Balliu, Berat Djimsiti, Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Enea Mihaj, Mario Mitaj, and Marash Kumbulla. Midfielders comprise Amir Abrashi, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami, Medon Berisha, Klaus Gjasula, Qazim Laci, Ernest Muci, and Ylber Ramadani. Forwards include Yasir Asani, Armando Broja, Mirlind Daku, Arber Hoxha, Rey Manaj, and Taulant Seferi.
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Italy has a four-match winning streak against Albania, making them the favorite for the upcoming clash. A victory in this match 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. They understand 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's journey into Euro 2024 begins with high expectations, especially with Spalletti's strategic brilliance at the helm. Meanwhile, Albania's remarkable path to the tournament adds an element of unpredictability to their challenge. Fans can look forward to a fascinating clash as both teams vie for a strong start.