You have to feel a bit sorry for Albania here. They face Italy in their opening Euro 2024 clash, followed by Croatia and then Spain. And all this after what had been an impressive qualification campaign where they beat Poland twice, Czech Republic once and lost just one of their eight Group E matches.
Their three Serie A-based defenders, Elseid Hysaj from Lazio, Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta, and Sassuolo’s Marash Kumbulla will be of huge importance but against those three top sides, they’re going to have to be incredibly good to have any hopes of qualifying for the Last 16.
MANAGER: Sylvinho. Yes, former Arsenal and Barcelona defender, Sylvinho.
CAPTAIN: Berat Djimsiti. The aforemented Atalanta defender has played every single game for his club this season. If Gian Piero Gasperini can trust him that much it says quite a lot.
STAR PLAYER: Nedim Bajrami. The midfielder was joint top goal-scorer in Albania’s qualification campaign with three goals in seven starts but it must be said his Sassuolo side had a poor season, finishing second from bottom. He’s got a savage right foot on him though and will create chances for himself. He’ll be aiming to impress too as he’s definitely in the shop window following his club’s relegation.
HOW THEY GOT THERE: Over their eight games, they beat Poland twice, Czech Republic once and Moldova once. They drew with the Czechs and Moldova in the reverse fixtures, drawing also with the Faroe Islands and then lost to them away from home, which is something they’d rather not be reminded of.
HOW WILL THEY DO: If they can nick a win and a draw they could make it through as a best third-placed team but against Spain, Croatia and Italy that would seem unlikely. Prepare yourself for the old clichés of ‘team spirit’ and ‘national pride’ but they’ll surely finish bottom of the pile, unless one of the other three implode…we’re looking at you Italy.
BEST BET: Albania to finish with zero points.
ALBANIA EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group B
Saturday, June 15: Italy v Albania, 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)
Wednesday, June 19: Croatia v Albania, 2pm (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)
Monday, June 24: Albania v Spain, 8pm (Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf)
ALBANIA EURO 2024 SQUAD
- GOALKEEPERS: Etrit Berisha, Thomas Strakosha, Elhan Kastrati.
- DEFENDERS: Berat Djimsiti, Elseid Hysaj, Iván Balliu, Ardian Ismajli, Arlind Ajeti, Naser Aliji, Mario Mitaj, Enea Mihaj, Marash Kumbulla.
- MIDFIELDERS: Amir Abrashi, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami, Medon Berisha, Klaus Gjasula, Qazim Laçi, Ernest Muçi, Ylber Ramadani.
- FORWARDS: Jasir Asani, Armando Broja, Mirlind Daku, Arbër Hoxha, Rey Manaj, Taulant Seferi.
Read More on Euro 2024
- Score your latest football betting tips at Paddy Power News
- Euro 2024 Tips: 7/2 English Exit Pick among our trader’s thoughts for Group C
- When does Euro 2024 start? Date and kick-off time for first game in Germany
- Euro 2024 fixtures, groups and schedule for this summer’s big tournament
- Euro 2024 Golden Boot odds: Who is the favourite to be the top scorer?
- Predicted England Euro 2024 squad and Paddy Power odds for 23-man group
The Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
