Defending European champions Italy will field a 4-2-3-1 formation against Albania in their Euro 2024 opener, with Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluca Scamacca set to start.
In defence, Calafiori will line up alongside Alessandro Buongiorno, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Federico Dimarco in a back four. Gianluigi Donnarumma is the undisputed starter in goal.
The midfield double pivot will consist of Jorginho and the fit-again Nicolo Barella, who has recovered from a muscle issue. Barella’s creativity and chance creation will be crucial for the Azzurri.
In attack, Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini will support lone striker Scamacca, with Davide Frattesi also expected to start in an advanced midfield role.
On the other side, Albania will field a squad filled with Serie A players, including Empoli goalkeeper Etrit Berisha, Lazio’s Elseid Hysaj, Atalanta captain Berat Djimsiti, and Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani.
Armando Broja is set to lead the line for Albania after Sokol Cikalleshi’s retirement. Nedim Bajrami and Marash Kumbulla of Sassuolo could also feature.
Italy are heavy favorites against the 66th-ranked Albanians, but the reigning champions will be wary of the potential banana skin in a tricky Group B that also includes Spain and Croatia.
Italy v Albania – Expected lineups
Italy (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Jorginho, Barella; Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini; Scamacca.
Albania (4-3-3): Berisha; Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami; Asani, Broja, Seferi.
