Date: Saturday 15th June, 2024
Time: 8:00 pm
Stadium Signa Iduna Park
Referee Felix Zwayer (Germany)
Goal Scorer:
Italy
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 possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Scamacca
Albania
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 possible starting lineup:
E. Berisha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Bajrami, Seferi; Broja
Prediction: Italy 1-0 Albania
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