Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
Italy
Match Time & Date:
15/06/2024
21:00
Prediction: 1-0
Albania
After surviving Bosnia and Herzegovina in their last warm-up game, Italy will be aiming to make a flying start to their EURO 2024 campaign when they face Albania at Signal Iduna Park. The Azzurri are seen as favourites to win the opener, but they will have to showcase their worth on the field. Sandro Tonali has been ruled out through suspension, while Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini misses out with injury. His teammate Gianluca Scamacca is widely expected to lead the line for the nominal hosts.
Sylvinho’s troops, on the other hand, are likely to adopt a defence-minded approach against Italy, but preventing Federico Chiesa and Co. from finding the net at Signal Iduna Park is easier said than done. Fulham striker Armando Broja will be the man to watch in the away team. It has to be noted that the two sides meet for the first time at the major tournament.
Highlighted Team (Albania):
The Albanian national football team has represented the country on international stage since 1946, and it is interesting to note that Albania was one of the founding members of UEFA back in 1954. The Eagles have enjoyed very little success in the 20th century, but they managed to show some improvement at the turn of the century and eventually secured their first ever appearance at a major tournament.
Albania qualified for the Euro 2016 finals as they came second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, taking 14 points from 8 matches, with Italian coach Gianni De Biasi at the helm. The Eagles have never qualified for the World Cup finals in 11 attempts, winning mere 14 of 94 World Cup qualifiers.
Former Lazio defender Lorik Cana has worn the captain’s armband over the last few years and he is Albania’s most capped player, while former Chievo forward Erjon Bogdani still holds the record for most goals for the national team, with 18 strikes in 74 appearances.
Everton
Chelsea
Leicester 
Wolves
Manchester United 
Bournemouth
Real Madrid 
Sevilla
Tottenham
Liverpool
Wolfsburg 
Borussia Dortmund
