The curtain rises on Euro 2024 as reigning champions Italy begin their title defense against a hungry Albanian side in Dortmund. While the Italians enter the group stage match as favorites, Albania, fresh off their impressive qualifying campaign, will be aiming to cause an upset.
Italy’s path to Euro 2024 hasn’t been smooth sailing. Finishing second in their qualifying group behind England, with two losses to their rivals and draws against Ukraine, they needed a strong goal difference to avoid a playoff. This match presents a golden opportunity to rediscover their winning form and kickstart their title defense.
Albania, on the other hand, arrives at the Euros with momentum on their side. Having topped their qualifying group ahead of established teams like Poland and the Czech Republic, they are determined to prove their mettle on the big stage. Their unbeaten run (excluding their opening loss to Poland) during qualifiers highlights their resilience and desire to challenge the established order.
On paper, Italy appears to be the clear favorite. Their Euro 2020 triumph and experience in major tournaments make them a formidable opponent. However, Albania’s recent success and unwavering spirit suggest they won’t be a pushover. This Italy vs Albania match promises to be a fascinating clash between a champion seeking to regain their footing and an underdog eager to create a historic upset.
Italy Team Preview
Italy enters Euro 2024 as the reigning champions but with a significant change in identity. A new coach, Luciano Spalletti, leads a squad with a different style and approach compared to the triumphant team of 2021.
Spalletti, a seasoned manager with scudetto success at Napoli, replaces Roberto Mancini. He inherits a team in transition, with several key players from the 2020 victory either retired or missing due to injury. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Spalletti to establish his own brand of football.
With the iconic defensive duo of Bonucci and Chiellini out of the picture, the torch falls on younger players like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nicolò Barella to step up and become the new leaders on the pitch. Donnarumma, the hero of the 2020 final, will now wear the captain’s armband.
Italy’s historic struggles to find a consistent goal scorer continue. Injuries to potential solutions like Zaniolo and Scamacca further complicate the issue. Spalletti’s search for the heir to the likes of Rossi and Vieri remains a work in progress.
Spalletti’s tactics are known to be more rigid than his predecessor, Mancini. He has utilized both 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3 formations in the past, prioritizing defensive solidity. Given the team’s current state, Italy might adopt a more pragmatic approach against Albania, focusing on controlling the game and minimizing risks.
Despite the uncertainties, Italy remains a team with a winning pedigree. Spalletti’s experience and the core of talented players provide a foundation for success. Whether they can rediscover their winning formula and overcome the challenges in this match remains to be seen.
Predicted XI: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Bellanova, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco, Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scamacca
Albania Team Preview
Albania arrives at Euro 2024 as unlikely heroes, having defied expectations with a stunning qualifying campaign under manager Sylvinho. This upstart team, brimming with youthful talent and a never-say-die attitude, presents a fascinating challenge for Italy in their opening group match.
Just a year ago, Albanian football was at a low point. However, Sylvinho’s appointment in 2023 sparked a remarkable turnaround. They went on an eight-match unbeaten run in qualifiers, securing impressive victories against Poland and the Czech Republic to top their group. This success came despite injuries to several key players initially projected to be central figures.
Sylvinho’s unconventional approach involved promoting untested players like Jasir Asani and Arbnor Muja, who proved instrumental in their qualification journey. However, recent form and fitness concerns cloud their Euro 2024 prospects. Several players, including goalkeepers Berisha and Strakosha, arrive with limited playing time.
Sylvinho’s controversial squad selection, which left out established players like Cikalleshi and Uzuni, has created pressure for the manager to justify his decisions.
Sylvinho favors a 4-3-3 formation and demands high energy and commitment from his players. Their counter-attacking style, heavily reliant on the pace and technical skills of their wingers, has been their weapon of choice. This approach is likely to continue against Italy, where they will be on the defensive and aim to exploit any openings on the break.
While Albania faces a daunting group stage, their recent success and fighting spirit should not be underestimated. Their ability to adapt, counter-attack effectively, and capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses could see them pull off another surprise against Italy.
Predicted XI: Berisha, Ismajli, Mitaj, Balliu, Hysaj, Laci, Asllani, Bejrami, Broja, Daku, Manaj
Italy vs Albania Betting Odds
1.40 Italy — 4.75 Draw – 9.15 Albania (Parimatch)
Italy vs Albania Head-to-Head Stats
Italy vs Albania fixture history suggests a one-sided affair. The Italians have a perfect record against their opponents, having won all four of their previous encounters. Albania has only managed a single goal against the Azzurri, which came in their most recent meeting in November 2022.
This lopsided historical record will undoubtedly bolster Italy’s confidence as they aim for a strong start to their title defense. A convincing victory against Albania would send a powerful message to their Group B rivals, Spain and Croatia.
While history may favor Italy, Albania arrives at Euro 2024 with momentum on its side. Their impressive qualifying campaign, coupled with a newfound fighting spirit instilled by manager Sylvinho, suggests they won’t be a pushover.
The injection of young talent and Sylvinho’s tactical approach have transformed Albania into a more unpredictable and dangerous team. They will likely approach this match with a defensive strategy, aiming to frustrate Italy and exploit any weaknesses on the counter-attack.
Italy vs Albania Betting Tips and Predictions
We predict a comfortable victory for Italy, with bets on them winning both halves offering attractive odds. Albania’s recent dip in form, including losses to Chile and Sweden, coupled with the step-up in competition, makes them unlikely to handle the pressure of facing a top team like Italy.
While Albania might adopt a defensive approach, Italy’s attacking prowess should see them create numerous scoring opportunities. Bets on Italy scoring over 2.5 goals or even a correct score prediction of 3-0 for Italy offer potentially good value.
While history and experience favor Italy, underestimating Albania would be a mistake. Their recent success, Sylvinho’s tactical nous, and the unpredictable nature of tournament football mean that an upset cannot be entirely ruled out. The Italy vs Albania match presents a compelling opportunity for Italy to assert its authority, but Albania has all the potential to cause an early Euro 2024 upset.