Euro 2024 – Italy vs Albania | Match Info, Preview & Lineup
Italy will begin defending their European title with a Group B clash against Albania on Saturday evening, marking the start of their Euro 2024 campaign.
The Azzurri aim to win back-to-back Euros, while their neighbors Albania hope to advance from the group stage in only their second major tournament appearance. Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, had to make adjustments to his preliminary 30-man squad due to injuries.
On a brighter note, Davide Frattesi and Nicolo Fagioli—despite Fagioli’s limited playtime due to a betting ban—along with Nicolo Barella, who led Italy in assists and chances during qualifying, are all expected to recover from minor muscle issues.
Spalletti has been experimenting with different formations and players recently. However, captain Gianluigi Donnarumma is a definite starter in goal. Up front, the choice seems to be between Gianluca Scamacca and Genoa’s Mateo Retegui.
For Albania, Atalanta BC defender Berat Djimsiti will captain the team from the center-back position, following his key role in La Dea’s Europa League victory last month. Kristjan Asllani, who recently won the Scudetto with Inter Milan, will play as a deep-lying playmaker.
Despite tough times at club level, Armando Broja is set to lead Albania’s attack, taking over from the retired Sokol Cikalleshi, who played in all eight qualification matches.
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