Preview
Italy vs Albania will be both these nations’ opening fixture at Euro 2024 as they gear up to put on a good performance. The game will be played at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on June 15.
The Azzurri will enter this contest on the back of a pretty solid run of form in the last few months. They have lost just one of their last eight games across competitions and have drawn two and won five of the remaining games. In that span, Italy have netted 15 times and have conceded just six times, keeping five clean sheets in the process. Their last outing was a narrow 1-0 win against Bosnia as Davide Frattesi grabbed the winner.
Albania, on the other hand, will enter this contest on the back of a slightly worse-looking form chart. They have lost two of their last eight games, and have drawn two and won four of the remaining ones. They have scored 12 goals in this phase and have conceded just six goals as well, keeping four clean sheets in the process. Their last outing was a comfortable 3-1 win against Azerbaijan in an International Friendly, and they will to go a step further with a win in their first Euro game.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
Italy vs Albania Team News
Italy National Football Team News
Manager Luciano Spalletti will have a fully-fit squad at his disposal ahead of the first game against Albania. The manager fielded a traditional 3-4-3 formation and gave opportunities to several fringe players to test their mettle.
However, Spalletti will revert to his full-strength lineup for the Euros, with most of his main midfielders and forwards expected to come back into the fray. Gianluigi Donnarumma is a lock in goal, with Nicolo Barella, Jorginho and Lorenzo Pellegrini all sure starters in midfield. Federico Chiesa will start out wide, with Gianluca Scamacca playing up front.
Albania National Football Team News
Head coach Sylvinho is expected to stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation for this tournament, with Etrit Berisha in goal. In front of him in defence will be Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj, Ivan Balliu and Elseid Hysaj.
In midfield, Laci, Kristjan Asllani and Nedim Bajrami will be the automatic picks, while Armando Broja, Mirlind Daku and Rey Manaj are expected to be the forwards.
Predicted Lineups
The Azzurri will be at full-strength for their opening game and will look to start with a win.
Italy Predicted Lineup: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK); Giovani Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni; Raoul Bellanova, Nicolo Barella, Jorginho (C), Federico Dimarco; Lorenzo Pellegrini, Federico Chiesa; Gianluca Scamacca.
Albania, too, will field their strongest lineup for this upcoming fixture.
Albania Predicted Lineup: Etrit Berisha (GK); Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj, Balliu, Elseid Hysaj (C); Qazim Laci, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami; Armando Broja; Mirlind Daku, Rey Manaj.
ALSO READ: UEFA EURO 2024 GROUP F: Preview, Prediction, Key Player and Key Matches To Watch
Head-to-Head Record
Italy and Albania have faced off just four times in all history before this. However, all four games went in the Azzurri’s favour as they will look to continue their domination. The first meeting was back in 2014 as an International Friendly, with the next two coming in Euro Qualifying, while the fourth was a friendly again.
Last 4 Games
- Albania 1-3 Italy
- Albania 0-1 Italy
- Italy 2-0 Albania
- Italy 1-0 Albania
Italy vs Albania Prediction
On paper, Italy are the far superior among the two and ideally should secure the win. However, Albania have been pretty solid under Sylvinho and could have a trick or two up their sleeve should Italy make a complacent start to the game.
However, the Italians should have enough in store to secure the result and get their campaign off to a decent start.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 Albania.
Betting Tips & Odds
Considering this is a major tournament, one can expect Albania to step up and play out of their skins to earn a result. At the same time, Italy no longer has a reputation of being solid defensively like they did in the past, which means they could concede.
Both teams are likely to get on the scoresheet but Italy will win the game as they have far more goal threats than their rivals.
Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 2.42
- To Score in Both Halves – Italy: 2.48
- Match Total – Over 2.5 Goals: 2.10
Match Odds
- Italy Win: 1.43
- Draw: 4.60
- Albania Win: 8.40
When and Where to watch Italy vs Albania live?
Q. When will Italy vs Albania kick off?
A. Italy will play Albania at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Saturday, June 15 at 8:00 PM (GMT).
Q. Where to watch this game live in India?
A. The game will be available to watch on Sony Sports Network on TV, and the SonyLIV app & website.
Q. Where to watch this game in the UK?
A. Italy vs Albania will be shown on ITV in the UK.
Q. Where to watch this game in the USA?
A. This match will be available to watch on FOX and FuboTV.
Q. Where can I watch this game in Italy?
A. You can watch this game on RAI & Sky Sports.
Q. Where to watch this game in Albania?
A. The match will be shown on TV Klan.
ALSO READ: Greatest Euro matches: Most memorable clashes from the EUROs