Signal Iduna Park hosts the Group B clash between Italy and Albania on June 15. The Azzurri are looking to challenge again following their success at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final. In comparison, Albania will play in the tournament for just the second time in Germany. While many will assume that Italy will walk away comfortable winners, we have looked at the match in more detail. You will find useful information and our predictions on this page.
Italy vs Albania: Initial Situation
Group B rivals Italy and Albania will meet in a major tournament for the first time at Euro 2024. The two nations couldn’t be further apart in terms of football history. However, 4x World Cup winners Italy are not in their prime. Many feel that the Azzurri will struggle when push comes to shove this summer. Albania will be waiting to pounce on any uncertainty in their opponent’s ranks. It promises to be an interesting match in Dortmund as a result.
Italy Stats & Form
Winning just 50% of their Group C matches, Italy was unconvincing in qualifying for Euro 2024. They finished above the Ukraine on goal difference. The Azzurri scored just 16 goals during the campaign. However, Luciano Spalletti’s side has won two recent friendly matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.
Italy knows that three points against Albania are important, having been drawn alongside Spain and Croatia in Group B. Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Barrella, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma played key roles in leading Italy to Euro 2020 success. The trio are almost certain to start this summer too.
Albania Stats & Form
Albania finished ahead of Czechia and Poland to win Euro 202r qualifying Group E. They lost just once and conceded only four goals during their campaign. Led by former Arsenal defender Sylvinho, Albania has not won in their last four matches.
They were beaten by Chile and Sweden in March, failing to score in either game. Fulham striker Armando Broja is likely to start in attack for Albania. Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani is a player who could surprise many.
Italy vs Albania: Head to Head
Italy has won all four of their previous meetings with Albania. They ran out 3-1 winners the last time the two nations met in November 2022. The Azzurri did the double over Albania in 2018 World Cup qualification too. Albania has just one goal to its name from those four matches! All the statistics point in favour of an Italian win at Euro 2024.
Italy vs Albania Odds
It is no surprise that the bookies have Italy as the favourites for this Group B clash. You can back the Azzurri at odds of 4/11. Albania is priced at 9/1, demonstrating just how big a shock it would be if they won. A draw between the two nations comes in at 17/5.
Betting tip and prediction: Italy vs Albania (15/06/2024)
We certainly agree that Italy are the firm favourites to beat Albania. However, we don’t think the match will be as one-sided as many supporters do. Therefore, we recommend betting on under 2.5 goals scored during the 90 minutes. Neither side is overly impressive going forward. Albania’s lack of goals conceded in qualifying shows that they know how to frustrate their opponent. This market is available at best odds of 4/5 from 888Sport.