Starting the defence of their European title, Italy meet Group B rivals Albania on Saturday evening when both nations kick off their Euro 2024 campaign. While the Azzurri are ultimately aiming to win back-to-back Euros, Albania are simply hoping to advance from the group stage on just their second major tournament appearance. The Italy vs Albania Live Streaming will be on Sony Liv and the game will be played on 16th June at 12.30 PM IST.
Italy vs Albania Preview
The reigning champions Italy warmed up for the campaign opener with a goalless draw against Turkey and a 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this month, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to six games.
Albania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 and booked their place in the group stage this time as the table toppers in the qualifying round. Interestingly, they suffered defeats in their first two games of 2024 in March.
They bounced back well in the friendlies earlier this month, defeating Liechtenstein 3-0 and recording a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan. They have made it to the group stage for just the second time and will look to qualify for the knockout round.
Italy vs Albania Team News
Italy Team News
After Luciano Spalletti selected his preliminary 30-man squad, both Francesco Acerbi (groin) and Giorgio Scalvini (ACL) were forced to withdraw through injury, and the defensive duo are joined by Nicolo Zaniolo, Domenico Berardi, Destiny Udogie and suspended midfielder Sandro Tonali on the sidelines.
More positively, Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Fagioli – named in the squad despite barely playing for seven months due to a betting ban – and Nicolo Barella, who created more assists and chances than any other Italy player in qualifying, are all expected to overcome minor muscular problems.
Spalletti has experimented with numerous set-ups and varying personnel in recent months, but captain Gianluigi Donnarumma certainly starts in goal, while it seems to be a straight shootout between Gianluca Scamacca and Genoa’s Mateo Retegui up front.
Italy Predicted XI:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Dimarco; Cristante, Jorginho; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
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Albania Team News
Meanwhile, Atalanta BC defender Berat Djimsiti will skipper Albania from centre-back, having played a major role in La Dea’s Europa League triumph last month.
Deep-lying playmaker Kristjan Asllani recently won the Scudetto with Inter Milan, while both Nedim Bajrami and Marash Kumbulla were in the Sassuolo squad demoted to Serie B.
After a tough time at club level, Armando Broja is set to spearhead the Albanian attack, as 33-year-old striker Sokol Cikalleshi – who featured in all eight qualification matches – has announced his international retirement.
Albania Predicted XI:
E. Berisha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Broja
How to watch Italy vs Albania Live Streaming in India?
Sony Sports Network has the broadcast rights to UEFA Euro 2024 in India and the Indian subcontinent, including Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD in English, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD in Hindi, Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD in Tamil & Telugu, and Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD in Bengali & Malayalam. All UEFA Euro 2024 matches will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.
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