Italy eyes consecutive Euro wins, initiating their crusade in Group B against Albania this Saturday.
Under the fresh stewardship of Luciano Spalletti, Italy plans to exploit their status as reigning champs in the upcoming Euro 2024 battle against Albania. Spalletti feels privileged to lead and believes that holding the title gives them a psychological upper hand.
Spalletti articulated to UEFA.com his strategy and mindset: “Owning the championship title arms us, yet it’s crucial we embody that status from the get-go. It’s as though our true opponent is our own potential. We must unveil our inner tenacity.”
Albania, who made their Euros debut in 2016, are also set to face a stern test in a group featuring heavyweights Spain and Croatia. Helmed by Sylvinho, the Albanian squad remains hopeful. “We’ve carved our path here, proving our mettle. Now, we face our next hurdle,” said Sylvinho to UEFA.com.
Key Players to Watch
Italy – Nicolo Barella: A linchpin in Italy’s midfield, Barella is crucial for orchestrating attacks. His fitness remains pivotal for Italy’s campaign.
Albania – Jasir Asani: Touted for his long-range abilities, Asani’s knack for scoring crucial goals will be vital for Albania.
Predicting the Match: Italy and Albania cross swords for the first time in a major tournament. The Azzurri have historically dominated past encounters and maintain a robust defensive record at the Euros. Italy appears poised to continue their formidable Euro narrative.
Italy’s journey in the Euros has been marked by calculated play, yielding less than two goals per match on average over the last two tournaments.
After a rocky start, Albania has shown resilience, remaining unbeoved in their subsequent seven qualifiers. Their gritty performance could signal a promising tournament ahead.
Opta Predicts:
Italy are the favorites with a 66.3% win probability. However, football’s unpredictability might just tip the scales. A draw stands at 19.6%, with Albania at 14.2%.
