Italy vs Albania: UEFA Euro 2024 Preview BBC Sport Italy and Albania will face off in Group A of UEFA Euro 2024, scheduled for June 14 to July 14, 2024. The match will be a crucial test for both teams as they bid to secure a place in the knockout stages. Italy The reigning European champions, Italy, will be looking to defend their title and extend their impressive unbeaten run under manager Roberto Mancini. With a squad boasting the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Leonardo Bonucci, and Federico Chiesa, Italy are among the favorites to lift the trophy once again. Albania Albania, ranked 66th in FIFA’s world rankings, will be aiming to make a statement at Euro 2024. Led by captain Eldor Shomurodov, Albania will be hoping to surprise their more illustrious opponents and qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Head-to-Head Record Italy and Albania have met on six previous occasions, with Italy winning four and Albania winning one. Their most recent encounter was a 4-0 victory for Italy in a friendly match in May 2019. Team News Both Italy and Albania are expected to field strong lineups for this crucial clash. Italy may be without injured Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, while Albania will be hoping for the return of Napoli forward Armando Broja. Prediction Italy are the clear favorites for this match, but Albania will be no pushovers. Italy’s superior quality and experience should see them secure a win, but Albania will be determined to give them a run for their money. Italy 2-0 AlbaniaItaly has been warned against complacency as it prepares to begin its defense of its European crown against Albania.Italy has been warned against complacency as it prepares to begin its defense of its European crown against Albania. The Azzurri are the reigning champions after defeating England on penalties in the Wembley final in 2021. However, they field a much-changed team and are under pressure to start their Euro 2024 campaign with a victory in Dortmund against one of the tournament’s lowest-ranked sides. “For any child who goes out every night and sweats, rubs his knees, then we are his heroes, what he dreams of,” said Italian coach Luciano Spalletti on Friday. “It’s up to us to live up to it. “Giants and heroes do not come out with fear, they come out with passion and faith.” Albania, ranked 66th in the FIFA world rankings, will be making only its second appearance at a major tournament. Azzurri captain Gianluigi Donnarumma insists that the Eagles, who have several players plying their trade in Serie A, should not be taken lightly. “This match is the biggest banana peel in our group. We have to be 100%,” said the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper. Albania is coached by former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Sylvinho. “We respect our opponents, but we fear no one,” said the Brazilian. “The players are ready to give their all on the European stage and make Albania proud.” Italy and Albania are in Group B, along with Spain and Croatia.Italy and Albania were drawn together in Group A for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying stage. The draw was held in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 9, 2022. Italy are the reigning European champions, having won the tournament in 2021. Albania have never qualified for the European Championship finals. The other teams in Group A are England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Malta. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the Euro 2024 finals, which will be held in Germany. The qualifying matches will be played from March 2023 to November 2023. Italy will begin their qualifying campaign with a home match against England on March 23, 2023.