Compared to the match in the same group between Spain and Croatia, the remaining match between Italy and Albania is considered to be a difference in class. However, that does not mean this encounter lacks appeal and unexpected variables, especially when looking at the form of the two teams.
Analyze the first half of the match between Italy vs Albania
Italy once won the EURO championship 3 years ago with a team that was not highly rated, but at this time Azzurri even have much lower quality personnel. This makes it difficult to have faith in them, especially after witnessing the recent matches of coach Luciano Spalletti’s team, with results summarized in just 2 words “stalemate”. It is known that the Italian tradition is to prioritize defense, but if they cannot attack, how can they win? In the last 5 matches, Italy’s forwards have only scored 5 goals, an average of 1 goal per match, which is too little for Azzurri to hope to compete for the title, as their defense is not always able to keep a clean sheet.
On the other hand, although Albania is considered the underdog, do not underestimate this team. Coach Sylvinho’s squad topped the qualifying group, even above relatively strong European opponents like Poland and Czech Republic. With disciplined play and quick transitions, the “Eagles” are ready to challenge the big teams in the group. The biggest star of Albania at the moment is striker Armando Broja, a player from Chelsea’s academy. Broja has never been highly rated at his club, but every time he plays for the national team, the 2001-born player shows a different level of performance, contributing 5 goals in 11 appearances for Albania. With the position of the favorite team, Italy will certainly take the initiative to attack, but this may not be the style they want to use. The attacking line with players like Chiesa and Scamacca still shows signs of weakness, and if Albania actively defends, Azzurri may fall into a stalemate. It is very likely that there will be no goals scored in the first half. Prediction: Under goals, Albania +0.5
Analyze the whole match between Italy vs Albania
With both competitors, Spain and Croatia, having to “settle” each other from the first round, Italy certainly does not want to miss the opportunity to take the lead in the race for advancement. Therefore, the pressure will continue to be deployed by the Azzurri in the second half, possibly with some adjustments from alternative options like El Shaarawy or Retegui. Although not good at scoring, Italy has been particularly excellent in earning corner kicks in recent matches. The wing runs of Federico Dimarco or the breakthroughs of Chiesa could bring a rain of corner kicks, especially when Albania actively drops deep to resist Azzurri’s attacks.
For Albania, falling into a group of death with only big teams is a disadvantage for them, so when Italy’s form is declining, Armando Broja and his teammates need to seek valuable points before facing Croatia and Spain. It is likely that a counter-attacking defensive trap will be set by coach Sylvinho to welcome the reigning European champions.The match between a team with a lack of attacking power and the other team being the underdog and defensively proactive, we can easily imagine a tight game with few goals. With the playing style of both teams recently, Italy and Albania probably need a star moment to settle this match. In addition to the under goals bet, choosing “no” in the both teams to score bet is also highly regarded. In the last 4 out of 5 matches of Italy, only a maximum of 1 team scored, and the same goes for Albania. Furthermore, in the 4 times Azzurri and the Eagles have met in the past, 3 times only 1 team scored. Based on these grounds, the match at 02:00 on June 16th is likely to have only one team breaking through the opponent’s defense. Prediction: Albania +1/1.5, Under goals, Both teams to score – No
