The President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka, spoke to the Italian media “SportItalia,” commenting on the national team’s performance in Group B1 of the UEFA Nations League.
The head of the Albanian Football Association stated that the group was balanced and fiercely contested until the last second, but Albania did not achieve what they wanted from this competition.
President Duka also talked about Albanian players playing in Italy, such as Berat Djimsiti, Kristjan Asllani, Cristian Shpendi, Medon Berisha, and highlighted some of the future talents playing in the youth national teams.
National Team’s performance in UEFA Nations League? – I can’t say that we achieved what we wanted. In fact, it was a very balanced group, fiercely contested, and unlike any other group, all four teams were in the race until the last second of the final match for the first or last place. Ukraine, even though it was punished with elimination on points despite having 4 points equal to the first place in the group at the Euro 2024 finals, was rewarded this time in the Nations League with one more point in Tirana. Fate was not on our side in these UEFA Nations League matches. It should also be emphasized that we had many injured players in every match.
Cristian Shpendi? – Cristian played with the U-21 National Team and was a protagonist in a comeback win against Romania in the qualifiers, but now he has grown even more. He is under the attention of the national team coach, Sylvinho, but was injured during the October matches. I am very happy when Cristian scores, but when he scores for the Albanian national team, I am even more joyful.
Berat Djimsiti? – There is no doubt that Atalanta’s coach, Gasperini, has helped a lot in the growth of captain Gjimshiti. I would go so far as to say that his case is a record if you look at the sports growth he has had. When I think about his level 5 or 6 seasons ago, I can say that he has improved a lot and has gained a lot of maturity. On the contrary, as a person (laughs), he has always been the same: a wonderful person. I am very happy for Atalanta as well. They are having an excellent season in both the league and Europe, with Gjimshiti being one of the undisputed leaders of the Bergamo team.
What do you recommend to Kristjan Asllani? – Kristjan is a great footballer and an intelligent guy. Although only 22 years old, you can talk to him like an adult. He is a super well-educated guy. If a year ago I thought he should look for another club to get more playing time, now I think differently. He should stay at Inter, this is his moment. He has matured enough to be a starter there. I am confident that coach Inzaghi will give him this chance.
Albanian players who will grow even more in the coming years? – We have some young players who promise a lot in the youth teams, and I am very convinced we will see them at high levels. In the U-17 National Team, I can mention Juventus goalkeeper Rafaele Huli, Sassuolo forward Gabriele Kulla, or Juventus forward Arman Durmishi or Sheji. In the U-19 National Team, a talented goalkeeper of Inter, Alain Taho, forwards Flavio Sulejmani of Lazio, Ergis Arifi of Teuta, and Xheto Joi Nuredini of Genoa are promising. Meanwhile, in the U-21 National Team, the players who have stood out are midfielders Adrion Pajaziti and Feta Fetai, who have already become part of the A National Team, the two brothers Cristian and Stiven Shpendi, as well as goalkeeper Simon Simoni and midfielder Medon Berisha.
