TIRANA, Sept. 26 /ATA/ – Albania host Belarus at Tirana’s Air Albania Stadium on Saturday evening in their opening Nations League match, with kickoff at 8:45 p.m.
The match will mark Italian coach Rolando Maran’s competitive debut in charge of Albania. After several days of preparations, Maran said he had been encouraged by the players’ commitment and work ethic but did not reveal his starting lineup.
“This is the start of my adventure as Albania coach. It is an emotion that makes you proud and pushes you to give more, and that motivates me,” Maran said.
Albania are targeting a positive start and first place in the group. Captain Berat Gjimshiti said the team also aims to secure another appearance at the European Championship.
“We want first place and the chance to qualify for the European Championship for a third time. That is the objective and this is the right path,” Gjimshiti said.
Maran will be without midfielder Qazim Laçi, who picked up an injury a day before the match. Adrion Pajaziti, Luis Hasa, Sabah Kerjota and goalkeeper Simon Simoni are also unavailable for the game, while Kristjan Asllani has recovered and is available.
Armando Broja, Nedim Bajrami and Jasir Asani are also absent from the squad, while goalkeeper Etrit Berisha has returned to the national team after a two-year absence.
Belarus arrive in Tirana unbeaten in their last six matches, providing an early test for Maran’s side.
Albania will play three more Nations League matches after Saturday’s game: against San Marino on Sept. 29, Finland on Oct. 3 and San Marino again on Oct. 6.
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