Italy begins their Euro title defence against underdogs Albania in the Group B match at Dortmund.
ITA vs ALB Match Details
Date: Saturday, 15 June 2024/ Sunday, 16 June 2024
Time: 21:00 (CET), 00:30 (IST)
Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
ITA vs ALB Match Preview
The Euro 2020 triumph for Italy was more special because they were not among the favourites to win it. Beating England at Wembley in the final was the cherry on top of the cake but the euphoria continued only for a year as they missed out on the World Cup again. Now in 2024, the Azzurri face the same situation of not being favourites to lift a consecutive title although have a load on their shoulders this time. Luciano Spalletti has taken over the hot seat from Roberto Mancini in the meantime and he wants to produce a miracle like helping Napoli win their Scudetto after 30 years. The 65-year-old has successfully led Italy, with a new-look team, to an 11th appearance in the finals after edging Ukraine on goal difference. However, slotted in a so-called ‘group of death’ with Spain and Croatia, alongside Albania, will force Italy to be at their absolute best to make a place in the knockouts. Spalletti’s team will be desperate for a winning start against the less-threatening opposition in the group with more testing games ahead. Take a look here at detailed Italy Euro 2024 Squad Analysis
Italy settled for the second spot in their qualifying group, behind England, to make their place in Euro 2024 but Albania achieved it by being group winners. The Eagles finished ahead of Czech Republic and Poland, losing just once in eight matches. The powerful display allowed them to enter a second Euro Championship. However, Sylvinho’s team were unlucky to have been drawn into a group containing three heavyweights with two former competition winners. Albania carries a commendable form of seven wins and three draws in 12 matches, including victories against Lichenstein and Azerbaijan in pre-Euro friendlies. The problem is they have failed to avoid defeat against the much higher-ranked opponents in that period. Only a miracle could pave their way to the knockouts. Albania opens their campaign against Italy whom they have lost in all four meetings. That does not mean they will leave the pitch without giving a fight. For better understanding, check out Albania Euro 2024 Squad Analysis
Recent Form (all competitions)
ITA: DWWDW
ALB: DLDWW
ITA vs ALB Predicted Lineups
Italy
Donnarumma; Darmian, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco; Frattesi, Chiesa; Scamacca
Albania
Strakosha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Broja
ITA vs ALB Head-to-Head
Played: 4
ITA won: 4
Drawn: 0
ALB won: 0
ITA vs ALB Dream11 Match Prediction
Italy should be comfortable winners in their battle against Albania. We predict a 2-0 win for the holders.
ITA vs ALB Dream11 Top picks
Captain Pick: Federico Chiesa
Vice-captain Pick: Nicolo Barella
ITA vs ALB Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Strakosha (Cr - 7.5)
DEF: Hysaj (Cr - 9), Darmian (8), Di Lorenzo (Cr - 8.5), Dimarco (Cr - 7.5)
MID: Barella (Cr - 9), Bajrami (Cr - 9), Jorginho (8.5)
FW: Broja (Cr - 8.5), Scamacca (Cr - 7.5), Chiesa (Cr - 9),
Vice-captain: Nicolo Barella
Captain: Federico Chiesa
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