Italy vs Albania – Euro 2024 betting preview: Tips, latest odds and predictions as defending champions get underway

CURRENT European champions Italy kickstart their defence with a clash against Albania tonight.

SunSport’s betting experts are on hand to preview the contest and have selected their best bets, tips and sign-up bonuses for the showdown.

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Italy vs Albania preview

Italy broke English hearts at Wembley to win the last running of this competition and they’re looking to hold onto that crown just a few years later.

But looking at the outright odds with William Hill, they have their work cut out as sixth favourites!

This group is a tricky one for both of these teams with Spain and Croatia to come so a winning start is paramount.

Italy are without Sandro Tonali, Destiny Udogie and Nicolo Zaniolo but should have enough to get out this group.

That might be harsh on Albania who did really well to get here but this represents a step-up in difficulty.

These sides have faced each other four times in the last ten years. The Italians have won every single time, conceding just once in the process.

Italy vs Albania latest odds

Prices from William Hill and are correct at the time of publishing though subject to change.

• Italy at 2/5 – CLAIM HERE

• Draw at 18/5 – CLAIM HERE

• Albania at 8/1 – CLAIM HERE

Italy vs Albania betting tips

Target practice

Nedim Bajrami has two sets of 90 minutes under his belt having not played much football for Sassuolo at the tail-end of the campaign.

Should be up to speed here and with three goals in eight qualifying games, he is a threat.

Scored against Azerbaijan in last warm-up game but this is a step up. Insurance taken.

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Scam called upon

Gianluca Scamacca could lead the Italy line and in doing so, they have a target to aim for in the box.

The 6ft 5in striker has a great range of physically and skill which makes him a serious threat.

That height can’t go unnoticed in the header market, though.

• Gianluca Scamacca headed shot on target at 2/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Not much in it

Despite those selections, I don’t see many goals in this opening game.

They’re usually cagey affairs and with big tests to come, there could be little between them here.

There have only been six goals scored in the last five games involving Italy – where they’ve conceded just once – and a lack of goals could follow here.

• Under 1.5 goals at 2/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

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