Italy vs Albania Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | UEFA Euro 2024

The Azzurri begin title defence against Albania.

Italy will start their title defence with an opening match against Albania. They are probably the underdogs in this tough group consisting of Spain and Croatia. The Azzurri have looked impressive under Luciano Spalletti who will manage Italy for the first time in a major tournament.

They are currently in excellent form after remaining unbeaten in the last five matches. They had an excellent final preparation in the friendly games. Spalletti’s men played a goalless draw against Turkey and later secured a 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last match. They will now aim to start the tournament on a positive note.

Albania are probably the biggest underdog in Group B of the UEFA Euro 2024. They will face Italy in the first match followed by Croatia and later Spain. They are heading into this match on an excellent run.

They had good final preparations in the friendlies as well where they defeated Liechtenstein 3-0 in the first friendly. This was followed by a comprehensive 3-1 win over Azerbaijan. Albania have a good mixture of experience and youth in the squad which could benefit them in this tournament.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 16 June at 12:30 AM IST

Location- Signal Iduna Park

Form: 

Italy (in all competitions): D-W-W-D-W

Albania (in all competitions): D-L-L-W-W

Player to Watch

Federico Chiesa (Italy)

Federico Chiesa is a dynamic forward who has become one of the best in his position over the years. He currently plays club football for Juventus where he had an incredible season. He scored 10 goals in 37 appearances for the team while also providing two assists.

Chiesa is a threat from the left wing as he likes to drift infield to shoot with his right foot. He is also not afraid to take on defenders as his directness in the final third makes him a dangerous forward for the team.

Armando Broja (Albania) 

Armando Broja had a poor campaign where he struggled to cement his place first at Chelsea and then at Fulham in the second half of the season. However this doesn’t change the fact that he has shown his outstanding qualities in recent years to the world.

Broja is a quick, physical striker who likes to use his speed and power to take on defenders and score goals. He has an excellent record with the national team having scored five goals in 20 matches since bursting onto the scene in 2020.

Match Facts

• Italy are unbeaten in the last six matches
• Albania have won two consecutive matches in a row
• Italy have won the previous four matches against Albania

Italy vs Albania: Betting tips and Odds

• Tip 1: Italy to win this match – 4/11 with Skybet
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 11/8 with Bet365
• Tip 3: Total Goals under 4.5 – 1/10 with William HILL

Also read: Italy at UEFA Euro 2024: Full squad, preview, match schedule, venue, telecast info

Injury and Teams News

Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini have both withdrawn from the Italy squad due to injury. 

After Sokol Cikalleshi retired from international football, Albania will rely heavily on Armando Broja of Chelsea to score goals.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches- 4

Italy- 4

Albania- 0

Draw- 0

Also read: UEFA Euro 2024: Full fixtures, schedule, timing, telecast & live streaming details

Predicted Lineup for Italy vs Albania

Italy Predicted lineup (3-4-2-1):

Donnarumma (GK); Darmian, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Cristante, Jorginho, Dimarco; Frattesi, Chiesa; Scamacca

Albania Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

E. Berisha (GK); Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Broja

Match Prediction for Italy vs Albania

Italy head into the tournament in excellent form as they start their title defence with an opening fixture against Albania. The Azzurri have never lost against them and will be confident of opening their account with a win here. They will be too hot to handle for Albania who will have a difficult outing here given the quality they possess in the final third.

Prediction: Italy 2-1 Albania

Also read: Top eight favourites to win UEFA Euro 2024

Telecast for Italy vs Albania

UK: BBC TV Sport, ITV UK

USA: Fox Sports USA English, fubo TV, VIX

Australia: Optus Australia

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLiv

Nigeria: SportyTV Nigeria, Supersport South Africa

Canada: Bell Media Canada, TVA Sports

Germany: Telekom Deutschland, ARD, RTL Germany, ZDF

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