The Italian coach has named 27 players for the matches against Finland and Belarus. Ysni Ismaili receives the first call-up, while Albania enters the two crucial matches with the objective of closing out their Nations League adventure as best as possible.
Two matches, one objective: to close with dignity
Rolando Maran has named the squad that will represent Albania in the last two matches of the UEFA Nations League group stage. In the list of 27 players, the Italian coach has not preferred to make major changes, maintaining for the most part the core of players who have been part of previous squads.
For the Rossoneri, November marks the end of a chapter in Group C1, but also an opportunity to give an answer after the fluctuations that have appeared during this edition. The last two meetings are not just a calendar formality. They represent the opportunity to improve the balance, to recover confidence and to create a more stable base for the challenges ahead.
Ysni Ismaili, the new face of the list
In a group where well-known names dominate almost every department, the most attention is drawn to a footballer who has not yet been part of the A team.
Ysni Ismaili, the Dinamo City defender, is the only newcomer to the list and receives his first call-up from the National Team.
A signal that the door of the national team remains open for footballers who are looking to gain space through appearances in the Albanian championship. For Ismail, this gathering is an opportunity to enter a new competitive environment and to convince the technical staff that he can be an alternative in the future.
In contrast, Maran has chosen continuity. In the backcourt, names like Gjimshiti, Ajeti, Ismajli and Hysaj remain, while the midfield continues to rely on Asllani, Ramadani and Laçi, with other alternatives to change the configuration of the game.
Attack, with four alternatives
In the offensive department, the Italian coach has gathered Rey Manaj, Myrto Uzuni, Mirlind Daku and Cristian Shpendi. Four different profiles, which give the technical staff the opportunity to choose between physical strength, mobility, penetration and the ability to attack spaces.
But names, no matter how important, do not guarantee a solution. Albania needs its offensive potential to be translated into concrete results, especially at a stage where every match should also serve as a test for the future.
Finland in Tirana, Belarus in Budapest
The November calendar starts at home. On November 12, at 20:45, Albania hosts Finland at the “Air Albania” stadium. A match that requires maximum concentration, but also a reaction against an opponent who was a direct rival in the group stage.
Three days later, on November 15, at 18:00, the Rossoneri will travel to Budapest to face Belarus at the "Illovszky Rudolf" stadium.
Two matches in a few days, two opponents with different characteristics and a single task for Maran: to get the most out of the assembled group.
For the Italian coach, these challenges are also another opportunity to consolidate his ideas, evaluate alternatives and understand which players could be part of the long-term project.
FULL LIST OF ALBANIA – 27 FOOTBALLERS
Goalkeepers: Etrit Berisha, Alen Sherri, Mario Dajsinani.
Defenders: Berat Gjimshiti, Arlind Ajeti, Ardian Ismajli, Klisman Cake, Samuele Sina, Elseid Hysaj, Ysni Ismaili, Mario Mitaj, Stavro Pilo, Naser Aliji.
Midfielders: Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani, Qazim Laçi, Juljan Shehu, Luis Hasa, Feta Fetai, Klevi Qefalija, Ernest Muçi, Arbër Hoxha, Taulant Seferi.
Forwards: Rey Manaj, Myrto Uzuni, Mirlind Daku, Cristian Shpendi.
