Under the guidance of Italian coach Gianni De Biasi, Albania have finally shed their tag as perennial European pushovers. De Biasi has lived up to that old Italian stereotype by transforming his side into a formidable defensive unit.
The Eagles conceded just five goals in eight matches, one of the best defensive records during qualifying. At the very least, Albania should be very well-organized and tough for their three group opponents to break down.
Team Weaknesses:
As good as Albania have become defensively, they still lack any sort of individual talent needed to make a real difference on offense. Only one member of their potential tournament squad – 32-year-old Hamdi Salihi – has scored more than three career international goals.
With that lack of a legitimate attacking threat, the Eagles will struggle putting the ball in the back of the net in France. That’s why Albania has astronomical +50,000 odds to win the tournament.
Team Stats (During Euro Qualifiers):
Category
Stat
Goals Scored Per Game
0.88
Goals Conceded Per Game
0.63
Goal Attempts Per Game
8.75
Pass Completion Percentage
83%
Ball Possession Percentage
45%
Starting Lineup:
Position
Name (Age)
Career Caps
Goals
Goalie
Etrit Berisha (27)
32
0
Defender
Ansi Agolli (33)
59
2
Defender
Lorik Cana (32)
90
1
Defender
Elseid Hysaj (22)
18
0
Defender
Andi Lila (30)
57
0
Midfielder
Odise Roshi (24)
30
1
Midfielder
Migjen Basha (29)
17
3
Midfielder
Taulant Xhaka (25)
11
0
Midfielder
Emir Lenjani (26)
17
2
Midfielder
Shkelzen Gashi (27)
12
1
Forward
Sokol Çikalleshi (25)
17
2
Writer’s Prediction
Albania score just one goal and gain one point out of their three matches as they crash out of the group stage.
