Italy kick off their title defence against Albania at UEFA Euro 2024.
Depending upon the result of Spain’s clash against Croatia, victory could see Italy or Albania go top of Group B.
Team News
Nicolo Fagioli is ruled out for Italy after he suffered a knock during their friendly win over Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Nicolo Barella is a doubt after he missed both warm-up friendlies due to a muscle injury.
Albania have no fresh injury concerns to report with Brentford goalkeeper, Thomas Strakosha likely to start in goal.
When is Kick-Off?
Italy take on Albania at Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time), live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Italy’s first clash against Albania at a major tournament in all competitions.
- Albania have lost all four previous meetings against Italy in all competitions (L4).
- Italy have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four UEFA Euro matches – excluding penalties (W2, D2).
- Albania are yet to draw at a major tournament, having won one game and lost twice at Euro 2016 as they crashed out in the Group Stage.
Prediction
Although they’re reigning champions, Italy are in a difficult group where this game is absolutely must-win because they have Spain and Croatia to come, so defeat here could leave them with everything at stake in their two other group games.
Their two warm-up friendlies also were pretty tight so they will certainly need to hit their stride quickly if want a result here, although patience will also be needed to break down a robust-looking defence.
Albania meanwhile lost just one match in Qualifying but their group was pretty weak just like their warm-up friendly opposition were, which means that they face a huge step up in performance if want to spring a surprise with their direct pressing play and solid defence.
This clash therefore could feel scrappy but Italy really should have the edge here.
Prediction: Italy 1-0 Albania
Result: Italy 2-1 Albania
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