Italy vs Albania - Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as current European champions Italy get their title defence underway against Albania in Dortmund

Although Slyvinho’s men are in the fable ‘Group of Death’ they are not heading to Germany just to merely show up.

Despite being the lowest ranked side at the tournament besides Georgia, Albania are a tough team to break down with their foundations being built on a strong defensive base.

Although Spain, Italy and Croatia is a daunting task, the Albians will not be fazed and will be looking to cause a huge upset against one of the three tournament heavyweights.

Defending champions Italy head into Euro 2024 as one of the dark horses once again and they will be relishing under the title.

The Azzurri have the opportunity to join only Germany and Spain on three wins which would make them the most successful country in the tournament alongside the other two.

If Italy are to claim back-to-back titles they have the right man to lead them. Arguably the best coach in the competition Spalletti has an array of achievements to his name.

Most notably leading Napoli to a Serie A title during the 2022-23 season and winning back-to-back Coppa Italia’s with Roma in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

As I mentioned, today will only mark Albania’s second appearance in a major tournament.

The only previous tournament the Eastern European country has appeared in was the 2016 Euros.

They were drawn in Group A alongside hosts France, Switzerland and Romania. They lost their opening two games - knocking them out the competition.

However they did record their first win in a major tournament in their final group game when they defeated Romania 1-0 thanks to a 43’ minute goal by Armando Sadiku.

Premier League fans may recognise the man who will be taking charge of Albania when they face Italy tonight.

Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender will be leading out the Albos in only their second major tournament appearance.

The two-time Champions League winner was appointed as Albania’’s head coach in January 2023, after spells with Lyon and Corinthians, neither of which were that successful.

History does not favour Luciano Spalletti’s men as the go in hunt of becoming back-to-back champions.

Nobody expected the Italians to claim the title three years ago and their odds of winning once again are even slimmer - especially since history does not side with them.

The only country to have completed back-to-back titles in the European Championships is Spain. The Spanish completed the impressive achievement back in 2008 and 2012, also winning the World Cup around the same time in 2010.

Good evening!

Wow, what a day of football we have already had.

Hungary vs Switzerland set the tempo for today early on with a four goal thriller as Breel Embolo registered the Swiss’ third goal of the game in the dying moments to see off any comeback planned by the Margyars.

Next up was Spain vs Croatia… and wow did that not disappoint. Three-time champions have stunned Modric and Co to take a 3-0 lead with a half hour of football still left to play

Today’s action has been jam packed but I hope you have left a bit of energy left for Italy vs Albania as the Azzuri’s get set to begin their title defence.

Ahead of Kick-off, we’ll have all the updates, team news and quotes from the managers and players, before jumping right into the live action when the game kick-offs at 8pm to provide you with minute-by-minute action.