Balkan Derby, Serie A descends on Tirana/ Albania-Serbia with Italian flavor on the field, 12 footballers play

On June 7, the “National Arena” in Tirana will be the scene of one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifying phase: Albania, facing Serbia. It is no ordinary challenge.

Beyond the playing field, the match carries historical and emotional weight, but this time, what makes it even more intriguing is the fact that two teams made up of footballers who play and excel in one of the most prestigious championships in the world: Serie A.

Albania comes into this challenge with a generation of players who are representing the red and black colors worthily in the elite of Italian football. At the head of them stands Berat Gjimshiti, the Atalanta defender, who has been a pillar in defense for his club and the national team. Gjimshiti is the leader who guarantees security, experience and calmness in the defensive phase.

Also, in this department we cannot leave out Ardian Ismajli. The center back, who had a very good season in terms of individual performance. He was the main player who carried Empoli's weight for most of the season, especially in matches against the big teams. A sudden injury left him out for more than a month.

Empoli lost ground and ultimately suffered relegation. Despite the ups and downs, Hysaj has been playing in Serie A for years and in certain matches, he can be a key element for the team, doing his defensive duties at his best. In midfield, Albania relies on Kristjan Asllani, the Inter midfielder, a modern “director” who possesses future technology, vertical passes, ball control and tactical clarity.

He represents exactly what is required from a team with ambition: quality. Against Serbia he must take on more. But, if there is a shield that Kristjani will have in midfield, it is called Ylber Ramadani. It is not his best season, but in the end he proved decisive with Lecce and his goal proved vital for staying among the best. Another national team player who is part of Serie A, remains the talented young Medon Berisha. With a lot of potential, Lecce's Medon is a promising alternative in midfield. Meanwhile, in the team, the Rossoneri also have Cagliari goalkeeper, Alen Sherri.

On the other hand, Serbia is one of the national teams with great potential in the region, with a list of names that sound strong in the international arena. In the center of defense, Strahinja Pavlović, the Milan player, who with his physique gives stability to the team.

In midfield, the eyes are on Lazar Samardzic, the Atalanta talent who is being mentioned as one of the stars of the future. Technical and efficient, he could be the key to Stojkovic's game strategy. In midfield, he is also a strong point like Ilic.

The Turin player has experience in Serie A and undoubtedly remains strong in this role. In attack, Serbia has a duo that plays in big teams, but far from its former form. Milan's Luka Jovic and Dusan Vlahovic form a dangerous duo in attack and will definitely open up a lot of work for the red and black defense.

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