TIRANA, August 19 – Albania’s Under-21 national football team will compete at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, which RTSH will broadcast. Albania Under-21 head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the tournament. He said the team wants to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football.
Albania will face Italy, Kosova and Algeria in the group stage. Bushi said the team respects all 3 opponents. However, he stressed that Albania will go to the tournament to compete, not simply participate. He also set qualification as the team’s main objective. The squad is almost entirely new and includes players born in 2006, 2007 and 2008. These players will join the Under-21 team next season.
Meanwhile, Bushi said the tournament offers the young players an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities against European opposition. He also acknowledged that they are not yet in optimal condition because the First Division season has not started. However, he expects a strong performance from the team.
At the same time, Bushi highlighted the limited preparation time before the opening match against Italy. Albania will face Italy on Saturday at 21:00. The coaching staff will use the available time to prepare the team’s ideas and strategies for the match. Bushi said every game would be like a final and stressed the team’s determination to win the tournament.
/a.p./
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