Football fans are gearing up for the Euro Cup 2024 opener, with Italy taking on Albania. The match kicks off at 4:00 PM UTC on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, officiated by referee Michael Oliver.
Key Stats & Insights
- Italy remains unbeaten in their last 6 matches and has lost only once in 10 games under Luciano Spalletti’s management.
- Italy won three and drew one of their final matches before Euro 2024.
- Italy has kept clean sheets in four of their last five games.
- Albania has not won any of their last 4 matches against Italy.
The last time these teams met was on November 16, 2022, in Tirana, where Italy secured a 3-1 victory. Italy will aim to repeat this success, while Albania hopes to change their fortunes. Historically, Italy has dominated Albania, winning their last three encounters with a combined score of 6-1.
Team Form and Performance
Italy โ Last 10 Competitive Games
Italy has achieved 5 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, averaging 2.0 goals per game from 4.2 shots on target and 14.1 attempts. They maintain 56.0% possession and win 5.9 corners per match, while conceding 1.3 goals from 3.8 shots on target and 9.2 attempts.
Key players: Davide Frattesi (4 goals), Federico Chiesa (3 goals), Domenico Berardi (2 goals), Nicolo Barella (4 assists), and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (3 clean sheets).
Albania โ Last 10 Competitive Games
Albania has recorded 4 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws, averaging 1.4 goals per game from 3.8 shots on target and 9.5 attempts. They maintain 53.3% possession, earning 4.4 corners per match, while conceding 0.7 goals from 9.1 attempts and 3.5 shots on target.
Key players: Jasir Asani (3 goals), Nedim Bajrami (3 goals), Taulant Seferi (2 goals), Ylber Ramadani (2 assists), Jasir Asani (2 assists), Myrto Uzuni (2 assists), and goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha (2 clean sheets).
Head-to-Head Records
Italy has won all four of their encounters against Albania since 2014, including their last meeting in November 2022, where they secured a 3-1 victory. Italy has consistently outperformed Albania, scoring 6 goals in their last three matchups while conceding only 1.
Player Form and Availability
Italy
Head Coach: Luciano Spalletti
Expected lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Alessandro Buongiorno, Riccardo Calafiori, Raoul Bellanova, Andrea Cambiaso
- Midfielders: Jorginho, Nicolo Fagioli, Davide Frattesi
- Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca
Albania
Head Coach: Edoardo Reja
Expected lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Thomas Strakosha
- Defenders: Mario Mitaj, Berat Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti, Elseid Hysaj
- Midfielders: Taulant Seferi, Nedim Bajrami, Ylber Latif Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani
- Forwards: Armando Broja, Jasir Asani
Market Analysis (Odds)
- Italy Win: 1.40 (71.4%)
- Draw: 4.50 (22.2%)
- Albania Win: 8.50 (11.8%)
Italy, the reigning European champions, are heavily favored to win their opening Euro 2024 match. Bookmakers give Italy a 71.4% chance of victory against Albania, who are considered underdogs with just an 11.8% chance of winning.
Predictions
Italy is expected to secure a comfortable win and likely keep a clean sheet against Albania. A 2-0 victory for Italy is a reasonable prediction. For those looking for a more ambitious bet, backing Italy to win by a margin of three goals or more (-2.5) could be a good option.
This revised article provides a thorough analysis of the upcoming match, covering essential stats, team form, head-to-head records, player availability, and betting odds, offering fans and bettors a comprehensive overview of what to expect.