As the Italy vs Albania match approaches, anticipation is high for what promises to be an intense encounter. The familiarity between the two teams is striking, with many of the potential Albanian starters and 80% of the Italian squad playing in Serie A. While Spalletti's team grapples with injury concerns that might result in absences on Saturday, Silvinho has two potential formations in mind to surprise Italy.
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| The two possible schemes that Albania can use against Italy on June 15, 2024 |
Option 1: The 4-2-3-1 Formation
Silvinho has often favored the 4-2-3-1 setup in past matches. In this scenario, Berisha would start in goal, with a defense comprising Hysaj, either Ismajli or Ajeti, Gjimshiti, and Mitaj on the left flank. The midfield trio would include three Serie A players: Asllani, Ramadani, and Bajrami.
On the wings, despite not being in peak physical condition due to a lack of recent match activity, Jasir Asani might still start. His ability to score, as demonstrated with a free-kick against Liechtenstein, makes him a valuable asset. On the opposite wing, Taulant Seferi, known for his defensive contributions and ability to disrupt opposing midfielders, is a likely starter. In the center of the attack, Armando Broja is expected to lead the line. His speed and explosiveness are seen as key to catching the Italian defense off guard, a strategy Silvinho hinted at during recent friendlies where Broja started both matches, despite competition from Manaj and Daku, who have impressive goal records in Turkey and Russia respectively.
Option 2: The 4-3-3 Formation
Recognizing the challenge of facing the reigning European champions, Silvinho might opt to strengthen the midfield with a 4-3-3 formation. This setup could see Qazim Laçi, known for his relentless energy and grit, joining the midfield. Supported by Ramadani and Asllani, Laçi's inclusion would add a combative edge to the team. This would allow Bajrami to move to the wing, potentially sacrificing Seferi's spot.
This approach isn't new for Silvinho, who employed a similar strategy in a friendly against Sweden in March. Despite the result, the Albanian team performed admirably. Bajrami's shift to the wing could provide an additional weapon for the team, given his speed, technical skills, and ability to cut inside and shoot from outside the box.
Conclusion
The Italy vs Albania match is shaping up to be a captivating duel, characterized by the deep familiarity and mutual respect between the teams. With Silvinho's tactical flexibility and the blend of experienced Serie A players on both sides, the game promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Whether through the stability of a 4-2-3-1 or the robustness of a 4-3-3, Albania aims to leverage its strengths and spring a surprise on the Italian champions.