Italy kick off their Euro 2024 campaign at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund against Albania, and Luciano Spalletti has selected Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori to lead his side alongside Juventus players Alessandro Buongiorno and Bryan Cristante, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Federico Dimarco both named on the bench.
Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti captains an Albania team featuring many familiar Serie A faces, such as Kristjan Asllani from Inter Milan.
Here we will discuss the main points of Italy National Football Team vs Albania National Football Team Lineups.
Here’s the players list for the match between Italy and Albania, which took place during the UEFA Euro 2024:
Italy Starting Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Gianluigi Donnarumma |
| RB | Giovanni Di Lorenzo |
| CB | Alessandro Bastoni |
| CB | Riccardo Calafiori |
| LB | Federico Dimarco |
| CM | Nicolò Barella |
| CM | Jorginho |
| RW | Federico Chiesa |
| AM | Davide Frattesi |
| LW | Lorenzo Pellegrini |
| CF | Gianluca Scamacca |
Albania Starting Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Thomas Strakosha |
| RB | Elseid Hysaj |
| CB | Berat Djimsiti (c) |
| CB | Arlind Ajeti |
| LB | Mario Mitaj |
| CM | Kristjan Asllani |
| CM | Ylber Ramadani |
| CM | Nedim Bajrami |
| RW | Jasir Asani |
| CF | Armando Broja |
| LW | Taulant Seferi |
Italy
Italy would benefit greatly from an early win at Euro 2024, though their team will face stiff opposition from Albania at Dortmund.
Albania have won all four previous meetings between these sides, but with former Arsenal midfielder Sylvinho coaching them and former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta providing assistance, they could prove more formidable opponents than expected. Their strong defense coupled with Armando Broja’s threat from Chelsea should make an upset unlikely.
Italy begin their European Championship campaign against Albania at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion on Saturday evening, where injury concerns have forced Luciano Spalletti to reduce his squad significantly compared to last tournament’s final against England on penalties. Juventus defenders Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca will however still feature.
Spalletti will hope his side can replicate their success against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina during preparation matches, beating both opponents convincingly. They currently possess the best defensive record in Serie A this season, so hopefully they’ll use that experience against an Albanian side who have scored only two goals so far in its two qualifying matches.
Italy responded well after conceding in the 23rd minute by dominating most of the first half. They could have added another goal before halftime; however, Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha foiled their attempts by pushing Davide Frattesi’s dink against the post and blocking Gianluca Scamacca’s shot away from harm’s way.
Azzurri were in control throughout the second period and frequently made advances. Yet underdogs found a way back into the match; Rey Manaj managed to force Donnarumma into making an important save, however; and the holders managed to seal victory without further alarm.
Riccardo Calafiori will make his Azzurri debut as part of a midfield trio including Nicolo Fagioli and Nicola Barella – two players whom Spalletti rested for friendly matches against Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina, but both showed they could add something useful to his squad. Italy coach Giovanni Trapp has also confirmed that Davide Frattesi and Federico Bernasconi will both remain part of his squad despite missing recent World Cup qualifiers due to injury. Coverciano has been home for training and will remain so until Thursday when they travel to France for their inaugural match against Israel in Paris. Fox Sports Network will broadcast it, with Fubo offering free seven-day trials here; radio coverage will come via SiriusXM FC subscribers who can tune in through either its app or website.
