Italy start their Euro 2024 title defense against Albania on Sunday morning. While the Azzurri are aiming to win back-to-back Euros, Albania hope to advance from the group stage in their second major tournament appearance.
This is Italy's 11th European Championship. If they win, they can join Germany and Spain with three titles. They could also become the second team to win successive Euros after Spain did so in 2008 and 2012. However, few see Luciano Spalletti's team as favourites.
Italy are unbeaten in six games but carry with them the memory of missing the last World Cup and narrowly qualifying for this tournament. Spalletti, who succeeded Roberto Mancini, has led his team to three wins and three draws. They are ranked ninth in the world by FIFA, but Group B is tough, with Spain and Croatia their other opponents.
Despite some injuries, Italy have not conceded a goal in their last 317 minutes, including a 0-0 draw with Turkey and a 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in recent friendlies. They have conceded only six goals in their past 12 Euro matches.
Albania, led by Brazilian coach Sylvinho, topped their qualifying group after losing their first game. Many Albanian players play in Serie A, making them familiar foes for Italy. They have little to lose and could pull off an upset or two.
This match promises to be an exciting start to Group B. Will Italy take care of business, or can Albania spring a surprise?
Italy vs. Albania live stream, TV channel
Australia's sole broadcaster for Euro 2024 is Optus Sport, meaning this match will be shown on the streaming platform.
If Italy vs. Albania is not available to watch live in your location, or if you're traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
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What time is Italy vs. Albania kickoff?
This Euro 2024 match kicks off at Signal Iduna Park on June 15 at 9:00 p.m. local time in Dortmund.
Here's how that time translates across all of the time zones in Australia:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Sun, Jun. 16 | 5:00 a.m. (AEST) |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Sun, Jun. 16 | 4:30 a.m. (ACST) |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Sun, Jun. 16 | 3:00 a.m. (AWST) |
Italy vs. Albania lineups & team news
Italy face Albania with some key players missing. Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini are out of the tournament due to injuries. Nicolo Zaniolo, Domenico Berardi, and Destiny Udogie are also sidelined. Midfielder Sandro Tonali is suspended.
On the bright side, Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Fagioli, and Nicolo Barella are expected to play despite minor injuries. Barella, the key playmaker, created more chances and registered more assists than any other Italy player in qualifying.
Coach Spalletti has tried different setups recently. Gianluigi Donnarumma will surely start in goal. The main decision upfront is between Gianluca Scamacca and Genoa's Mateo Retegui.
Italy projected starting lineup: (3-4-2-1, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Darmian, Buongiorno, Bastoni — Di Lorenzo, Cristante, Jorginho, Dimarco — Frattesi, Chiesa — Scamacca.
For Albania, Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti will captain the team. Playmaker Kristjan Asllani, fresh off a Scudetto win with Inter Milan, is ready to shine.
Nedim Bajrami and Marash Kumbulla, who faced relegation with Sassuolo, are also in the squad. Armando Broja will lead the attack after Sokol Cikalleshi's retirement.
Albania projected starting lineup: (4-2-3-1, right to left): E. Berisha (GK) — Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj — Asllani, Ramadani — Asani, Bajrami, Seferi — Broja.
Italy vs. Albania prediction
- Score prediction: Italy 1-0 Albania
Given the strength of the other teams in a competitive Group B, this match between Italy and Albania will have a high-stakes atmosphere.
Expect a tense and cautious encounter. The outcome may hinge on a single goal, with Italy's experience likely giving them the edge to secure a narrow victory.
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