Italy vs Albania Prediction Euro 2024

⚽ Football EURO 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 15 June 2024 - 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund)

Defending champions Italy begin their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign in Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park, hoping to start strongly against Group B's lowest-ranked team Albania to reach the knockout rounds for a fifth straight major tournament. The Azzurri have won their last two Euros openers without conceding against Turkey (3-0) and Belgium (2-0), boosting their chances here.

New coach Luciano Spalletti has steadied the ship despite losing defenders Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini to injury, guiding Italy to consecutive clean sheet friendlies against Turkey (0-0) and Bosnia & Herzegovina (1-0). They've conceded just once in their last six European Championship group games (5 wins, 1 loss).

Albania are competing in just their second ever major tournament after reaching Euro 2016's group stage by beating Romania but losing to Switzerland and France. They qualified this time by winning their group ahead of Czech Republic and Poland before winning two pre-tournament friendlies 3-0.

However, this appears a major step up in class. Albania conceded just four goals in qualifying but lost 3-1 to Italy in 2022, part of a four-match losing streak in head-to-heads since 2014.

Where to watch?

📺 Italy vs Albania Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: All eyes will be on Gianluca Scamacca after the Atalanta striker scored 19 goals this season, 11 before half-time. Nedim Bajrami has 1 goal and 2 assists in Albania's last 2 games.

⚡Match Facts: Italy have lost just 1 of their 9 previous European Championship openers (4 wins, 4 draws).

Italy vs Albania Prediction and Betting Tips

💡 Italy should prevail in a professional manner, with a 2-0 or 3-1 victory utilising their greater quality and major tournament pedigree. For betting, simply backing the Azzurri to win is advisable, potentially combined with Under 3.5 goals given Albania's defensive organisation. A small stake on the 3-1 correct score could also offer good value.