In Lausanne, Switzerland was held the draw for the group stage of the latest competition of European football, the UEFA Nations League. After the draw, Albania is positioned in the first group composed of three team in League C, where it will face Israel and Scotland. In League C were a total of 15 teams , where three groups with four teams were formed and one group with three teams. Albania is included in the latter.
The matches for the group stage of the Nations League will begin in September and will end within 2018. The National Team will play the first match against Scotland, which is ranked 37th in the World Rank and during their course of history have participated in eight finals of the World Cup , and twice in the European Championship. Albania also faces Israel, thus returning the duel of the World Cup Qualifiers 2018. In the start of this competition, Albania will play four international matches, two in transfer against Scotland and Israel , and the home matches with the same rivals.
Present during the draw held in Lausanne, were the President of Albanian Football Association, Mr. Armand Duka, together with the coach of the national team, Christian Panucci. After the draw president Duka declared : ‘’ I can say that this kind of format is balanced. I would have preferred a four-team group , in order to have more home matches. I don’t prefer Scotland because it is a tough team and is very far. The players might get tired. With two opponents the group is stronger. Nothing is certain, everything can happen. I wish to be first. The match against Norway will serve the coach for the opponents that we have. Norway and Scotland stand at the same level. Two other matches are scheduled for June. We want to achieve everything from this competition. I wish we are part of the European Championship, again ‘’, – stressed President Duka.
Meanwhile, the manager of the national team, Panucci declared : ‘’ The group is balanced. Will see how it goes and we will aim for the first place. Nothing will change. We look forward with courage. We have scheduled three friendlies , in order to fully prepare for the competition. It is a group that has few differences, but we will try all the ways possible. It is important to be precise, in all the matches’’.
