The Italy national football team and the Albania national football team have developed a unique rivalry through their encounters in international football. Although the two teams have faced off only a handful of times, their matches have been memorable, with Italy maintaining an unbeaten record against Albania. This article delves into the timeline of their encounters, focusing on key matches, historical significance, and their most recent clash at UEFA Euro 2024.
Head-to-Head Record
Italy and Albania have met five times in competitive and friendly matches, with Italy winning all five encounters. The results highlight Italy’s dominance, but Albania has grown significantly in recent years, making each game increasingly competitive.
November 18, 2014: Italy 1-0 Albania (Friendly)
March 24, 2017: Italy 2-0 Albania (World Cup Qualifier)
October 9, 2017: Albania 0-1 Italy (World Cup Qualifier)
November 16, 2022: Albania 1-3 Italy (Friendly)
June 15, 2024: Italy 2-1 Albania (UEFA Euro 2024).
Notable Matches in the Timeline
Friendly Encounter in 2014
The first official meeting between the two teams took place in Genoa, Italy, where Italy secured a narrow 1-0 victory. This match was part of Italy’s post-World Cup rebuilding phase under coach Antonio Conte. The game was significant for being Albania’s first match against Italy and a learning experience for the Albanian side.
World Cup Qualifiers (2017)
In the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Italy and Albania clashed twice. In the first match, played in Palermo, Italy won 2-0, showcasing their tactical prowess. The second match, held in Shkodër, Albania, saw Italy clinch a 1-0 victory, ensuring their dominance over Albania in the group stage.
Friendly Match in 2022
Italy’s 3-1 victory in Tirana was a friendly fixture but demonstrated the growing capabilities of the Albanian side. Players from both teams displayed strong performances, with Albania gaining recognition for their competitive spirit.
UEFA Euro 2024: Italy vs Albania
The most recent and perhaps most thrilling encounter occurred on June 15, 2024, during the UEFA Euro 2024 group stages. Played at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, the match provided plenty of excitement.
Match Highlights
Historic Start: Albania shocked the football world with a goal just 23 seconds into the game, marking the fastest goal in UEFA European Championship history. Nedim Bajrami capitalized on a defensive lapse from Italy.
Italy’s Response: Italy equalized quickly, with Gianluca Scamacca scoring in the 10th minute. Barely six minutes later, Nicolò Barella’s sublime strike gave Italy a 2-1 lead, which they held until the final whistle.
Tactical Battle: Despite Albania’s spirited performance, Italy dominated possession and created more chances. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves to deny Albania an equalizer.
Key Takeaways from UEFA Euro 2024 Encounter
Albania’s Rising Profile: Albania’s qualification for UEFA Euro 2024 was a milestone, marking their first time topping a qualifying group. Half of Albania’s starting lineup against Italy comprised players from Italian clubs, reflecting Albania’s growing influence in European football.
Italy’s Evolution: Italy’s squad showcased a blend of youth and experience, moving away from the defensive style synonymous with legends like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. Young defender Riccardo Calafiori made history as the second-youngest Italian defender to play in the Euros.
Statistical Highlights:
It has now gone 10 games unbeaten in the European Championship finals, a streak stretching back to the 2020 edition.
Nicolò Barella became the third Italian player to score in 10 consecutive European Championship games.
FAQs
What was the result of their latest match at UEFA Euro 2024?
The latest match between Italy and Albania took place on June 15, 2024, in Dortmund, Germany, during the UEFA Euro 2024 group stages. Italy won 2-1 in a dramatic game. Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in UEFA European Championship history, just 23 seconds into the game. However, this quickly responded with goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Nicolò Barella.
Why is the Italy vs Albania matchup significant?
This rivalry is significant for several reasons. Italy’s dominance reflects their long-standing success in world football, while Albania’s growing competitiveness highlights the rise of smaller footballing nations. Albania’s qualification for Euro 2024, topping their group, added weight to their encounter.
What are the key historical matches between the two teams?
Key matches include:
2014 Friendly: Italy’s narrow 1-0 win in Genoa marked their first official encounter.
2017 World Cup Qualifiers: Italy won both legs (2-0 in Palermo and 1-0 in Shkodër).
2024 UEFA Euro: A tightly contested 2-1 victory for Italy, showcasing Albania’s potential.
Who are the standout players in their rivalry?
In recent matches, Nicolò Barella, Gianluca Scamacca, and Federico Chiesa have been key performers for it. For Albania, players like Nedim Bajrami, Thomas Strakosha, and Elseid Hysaj have stood out, particularly given their connections to Serie A clubs.
What strategies have the teams employed in their matches?
It has traditionally relied on tactical discipline and their depth of talent. Under Luciano Spalletti in 2024, they showed a mix of defensive resilience and attacking flair. Albania, coached by Sylvinho, has leveraged their Serie A-based players to create familiarity and cohesion in their approach, making matches competitive.
In Summary
The timeline of Italy vs Albania matches is a fascinating journey through international football. While Italy’s dominance has been evident, Albania’s rise brings a competitive edge to their encounters. The historic match at Euro 2024, marked by the fastest goal in tournament history, demonstrated the unpredictability and excitement of their rivalry. As Albania continues to develop and it evolves with fresh talent, this matchup promises to remain an essential fixture in European football. Fans can look forward to more thrilling clashes, with both teams pushing each other to new heights.
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