Italy begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Albania on Saturday at Signal Iduna Park. The Azzurri are aiming to defend the European title they won back in 2021. For Albania, it's their second major tournament, and they hope to advance past the group stage.
Italy are playing in their 11th European Championship and could join Germany and Spain with three wins if they lift the trophy again. They hope to be the second team, after Spain, to win consecutive Euros, having defeated England on penalties at the delayed Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium three years ago. They arrive in Germany unbeaten in six games but haunted by their failure to qualify for the last World Cup.
Under coach Luciano Spalletti, Italy have six wins and three draws. They haven't conceded a goal in their last 317 minutes of play. Their defence will be key, especially against tough Group B opponents like Spain, and Croatia.
Albania, on the other hand, topped their qualifying group after an unbeaten run in their last seven games. Nine of their players play in Italy's Serie A. Their coach, Sylvinho, faces a tough challenge in the 'Group of Death,' but Albania look ready to surprise.
FOLLOW LIVE: Keep up with Italy vs. Albania in Euro 2024 with updates, highlights, and commentary
Italy vs. Albania live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Euro 2024 match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Fox Sports Network | Fubo, FOX Sports app/website, ViX |
| Canada | TVA Sports, TSN 1, TSN 4, CTV | TVA+, TVA app/website, CTV app |
| UK | BBC1 | iPlayer and BBC Sport website |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 | JioTV, Sony LIV |
USA: Italy vs. Albania from Signal Iduna Park will be televised in the United States on the Fox Sports Network, with Spanish-language streaming via ViX. The game is also available to stream on Fubo, which is currently offering a FREE seven-day trial.
Radio coverage of the match can be followed on SiriusXM FC.
UK: This Italy vs. Albania Euro 2024 match will be broadcast in the UK on BBC1. Streaming can be found on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Canada: Euro 2024 matches can be seen in Canada on TSN's respective TV channel and live streaming services. TVA and CTV will also be showing the match.
Australia: Australia's sole broadcaster for Euro 2024 is Optus Sport.
India: Euro 2024 matches are available to stream on JioTV and Sony LIV and Italy vs. Albania can also be viewed on Sony Ten Network on TV.
If Italy vs. Albania is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
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What time is Italy vs. Albania kickoff?
This Euro 2024 match kicks off from the Signal Iduna Park on June 15 at 9:00 p.m. local time in Dortmund.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories around the globe:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA/Canada | Sat, Jun. 15 | 3 p.m. ET |
| USA/Canada | Sat, Jun. 15 | 12 p.m. PT |
| UK | Sat, Jun. 15 | 8 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sun, Jun. 16 | 5 a.m. AEST |
| India | Sun, Jun. 16 | 12:30 a.m. IST |
Italy vs. Albania lineups & team news
Italy face Albania with some key players missing. Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini are out of the tournament due to injuries. Nicolo Zaniolo, Domenico Berardi, and Destiny Udogie are also sidelined. Midfielder Sandro Tonali is suspended.
On the bright side, Davide Frattesi, Nicolo Fagioli, and Nicolo Barella are expected to play despite minor injuries. Barella, the key playmaker, created more chances and registered more assists than any other Italy player in qualifying.
Coach Spalletti has tried different setups recently. Gianluigi Donnarumma will surely start in goal. The main decision upfront is between Gianluca Scamacca and Genoa's Mateo Retegui.
Italy starting lineup: (4-2-3-1, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco — Barella, Jorginho — Chiesa, Frattesi, Pellegrini — Scamacca.
For Albania, Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti will captain the team. Playmaker Kristjan Asllani, fresh off a Scudetto win with Inter Milan, is ready to shine.
Nedim Bajrami and Marash Kumbulla, who faced relegation with Sassuolo, are also in the squad. Armando Broja will lead the attack after Sokol Cikalleshi's retirement.
Albania starting lineup: (4-3-3, right to left): Strakosha (GK) — Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj — Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami — Asani, Broja, Seferi.
Italy vs. Albania prediction
- Score prediction: Italy 1-0 Albania
Given the strength of the other teams in a competitive Group B, this match between Italy and Albania will have a high-stakes atmosphere.
Expect a tense and cautious encounter. The outcome may hinge on a single goal, with Italy's experience likely giving them the edge to secure a narrow victory.
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