GREAT CHANCE! Lovely build up play from the hosts, as Okaka and Gabbiadini link up along the right. The latter sends a pass across the top of the box for Bonaventura, but he scuffs his shot well high and wide.
90' +2
Lovely work from Matri along the right to fend off a challenge and get the ball forward. He gets taken down, but never gives up on the play, getting right back up and picking out a pass for Okaka. The striker holds the ball up well and wins a free kick, as the final minutes run off the clock.
90'
V. Rama enters the game and replaces A. Lila.
There will be four minutes added on at the end of the match...
88'
Albania are on the front foot, trying to salvage something from the match. They are having very little success trying to create scoring opportunities, however, as their best chances in the match have come on quick counter attacks, as they pounced on Italian mistakes.
86'
B. Balaj enters the game and replaces E. Lenjani.
STAT ATTACK: Italy have yet to lose a match under new coach Antonio Conte, since the former Juventus boss took over following the Azzurri’s disappointing showing in Brazil 2014 (W4, D1).
84'
The goal has done wonders for the match, as the past 15 minutes had been marred by delays, attributed to countless substitutions and fan interference. We are back to playing now, as Albania push for an equalizer!
82'
S. Okaka has scored a goal for Italy! Assist by G. Bonaventura.
F. Acerbi enters the game and replaces L. Bonucci.
ITALY TAKE THE LEAD! OKAKA SCORES IN HIS FIRST EVER SENIOR CAP!
80'
NOTE: Both teams have had recent qualifiers marred by poor fan behaviour, as Italy’s match against Croatia was halted after flares were thrown onto the pitch by the visiting fans, while Albania’s game against Serbia was stopped at half time after ugly scenes between supporters and players alike prevented the match from being completed.
78'
H. Salihi enters the game and replaces S. Çikalleshi.
A third Albanian supporter is out onto the pitch and this is getting out of hand now. Cana rushes over to the supporters section and urges the fans to stop rushing the pitch, so the rest of the match can carry on as planned. The Italian players voice their concerns to the referee, but there is nothing he can do about it.
77'
M. Gabbiadini enters the game and replaces A. Cerci.
Minute
Description
76'
Another Albanian supporter has made his way out onto the pitch, and this one is handled much more aggressively by security. Again an Albanian player comes across to show his appreciation for the fan, pulling him away from security and walking him off the pitch.
74'
A. Ajeti enters the game and replaces E. Hysaj.
The pace has completely come out of the match, as a wealth of substitutions are made by both teams. The stoppages are coming in hard and heavy, which has done nothing to help the free-flowing nature of the game, which is all but gone for the time being.
73'
M. Perin enters the game and replaces S. Sirigu.
72'
Entertaining scenes here in Genoa as an Albanian supporter rushes the pitch. He gets to Cana and bows down to the defender, asking him to sign his flag. The captain obliges, and gives the supporter a hug and kiss, as other Albanian players come in to shake his hand. It truly is a sight for sore eyes, as the players protect him from security and escort him back off the pitch.
71'
H. Shala enters the game and replaces A. Abrashi.
70'
G. Bonaventura enters the game and replaces A. Bertolacci.
TREMENDOUS EFFORT! The substitutes nearly link up for the opening goal for Italy, as Matri's ball across the face of goal is controlled by Okaka, who turns and fires, with Mavraj draped over his back. He still gets a powerful shot off, but Berisha makes another save!
69'
POOR GOALKEEPING! Albania win a free kick from just under 30 yards out, and Memushaj decides to go for goal. He gets good movement on his shot, but it really does not threaten the goal. Sirigu makes a meal of it at the near post, however, nearly spilling it in for the opening goal!
67'
O. Roshi enters the game and replaces B. Kukeli.
STAT ATTACK: Albania coach Gianni De Biasi was born in Italy and spent the entirety of his playing career in his native country. He started coaching in 1990 and has since been in charge of 10 different clubs from the various divisions in Italy, including Brescia, Torino and Udinese.
65'
S. Okaka enters the game and replaces S. Giovinco.
Italy make two substitutions, replacing the duo of Giovinco and Destro up top with Alessandro Matri and Stefano Okaka.
64'
A. Matri enters the game and replaces M. Destro.
Horrendous defending from Moretti! An awful miscue sees Lenjani into the area, but his shot is palmed away by Sirigu! Great chance for the visitors to take the lead, but we remain scoreless in Genoa!
62'
SHOCKING MISS! Brilliant build up play from the hosts. Giovinco does well to advance the ball and lay it off for Cerci, who fends off a defender and sends a perfect ball through for Destro. The Roma striker has all the time and space in the world, but opts to hit it first time, trying to curl it around the keeper and in at the far post... but sends his effort wide!
60'
Giovinco is making his presence felt in a big way! The diminutive forward has been the Azzurri's best attacking option in the last half an hour, and continues to wreak havoc on the Albanian defence. Some clever footwork allows him to win a free kick on the edge of the area, which he takes, but is denied by a sprawling Berisha.
58'
IMPORTANT BLOCK! Lovely work from Destro to hold the ball up and pick out Antonelli on the left. The midfielder sends a cutback pass into the path of Giovinco at the top of the box, but his first time shot takes a deflection and rolls just inches wide!
56'
There is a lovely tempo to start this second half, but still no breakthrough! The crowd is loving the pace and attacking intent on display from both teams, which has made for a wonderful atmosphere! This is everything you could want from a friendly, and more.
54'
STAT ATTACK: Italy have conceded just two goals in their five matches with Antonio Conte in charge, while they have scored at least a goal in every one of their matches under the former Juventus boss.
52'
WHAT A CHANCE! Absolutely inexcusable from Sirigu, who takes a back pass and is far too nonchalant in possession. He waits too long to make a pass and ends up giving it straight to Cikalleshi, but he cannot get his footing right, and never can put a shot towards the gaping net.
50'
WONDERFUL MOVE! Attractive, free-flowing football from the Italians, as Cerci, Destro and Giovinco link up nicely in and around the penalty area. The latter chests down a pass and directs a shot towards goal from in close, but puts it straight at Berisha!
48'
Sloppy start to the second half from both sides as possession is given away carelessly in midfield. Neither team is able to take advantage and pose much of a threat on the counter.
46'
Italy kick off and the second half is underway in Genoa!
45' +1
DELIGHTFUL BUILD UP! The Azzurri pass it around delightfully in midfield, before it is worked out to Cerci on the right. He cuts towards the centre and tries to curl an effort in at the far post, but Berisha is up to the task again, as he dives across to push it behind!
45'
One minute to be added on at the end of the first half...
44'
The match has really sprung to life, as we approach half time. Chances are coming fast and steady at both ends, but somehow it remains scoreless! Italy break forward through Giovinco, who picks out Destro in the area, but his shot hits the side netting.
42'
GOOD CHANCE! He certainly is not afraid to shoot it! Cikalleshi takes a pass and begins another run forward. He shows excellent control to find his way into space for a shot, and unleashes a drive from 25 yards out, but it is too close to Sirigu, who makes a comfortable save.
40'
ANOTHER DELIGHTFUL SAVE! Italy get right back into attack and Bertolacci has a go from just outside the area. His shot looks to be headed in, but Berisha somehow manages to tip it over the bar!
38'
OFF THE WOODWORK! De Silvestri makes a poor pass at the back, which gives the ball straight to Cikalleshi. The striker surges forward and has a go from 30 yards out, but rings his effort off the bar! It is a spectacular attempt from the striker. The rebound comes back out of the penalty area where Mavraj meets it, but his follow up attempt sails just wide at the far post, with Sirigu pinned to his spot.
37'
STUNNING SAVE! It is a lovely run from Giovinco which produces one of the best chances of the match for the hosts. He breaks in along the left and gets to the byline, before picking out a perfect cross for Bonucci, but his header is just kept out by the fingertips of Berisha!
35'
As the half goes on, Albania have seen less and less of the ball. Their attacks have been limited to some non-threatening counters, while Italy are doing a wonderful job of taking away space in midfield and forcing them to attack along the flanks, where they are closing down on the ball very well.
33'
INCHES WIDE! Italy come so close to taking the lead! Destro picks up the ball and makes a towering run forward. He runs at the heart of defence, and sees an opportunity for a shot with Cana backing off. He lets fly from 25 yards out, narrowly missing at the far post.
31'
DREADFUL! The set piece is wonderfully worked, with Cerci picking out the run of Giovinco at the top of the box. The diminutive striker is teed up for a shot, but mishits it horribly, as his pedestrian effort rolls well wide of the far post.
30'
Italy win a corner, which Cerci plays short. He takes a quick return pass, and Lenjani slides in with what looked like a strong, clean tackle, but the referee thinks otherwise, as he awards the hosts with a free kick to the right of the penalty area.
28'
The free kick amounts to nothing, as the delivery is cleared easily by the defence. It is headed back into the area, and this time Bonucci boots it up the pitch to enure the pressure on his goal is relieved.
27'
Luca Antonelli has some choice words for the assistant referee as he concedes a foul near the corner flag. The defender has to be careful and stop his arguments or he could come out of this with a needless booking.
25'
Wonderful effort! Giovinco takes a pass from De Silvestri and weaves his way through midfield. He is taken down by Cana, but the ball falls for Parolo, who cannot beat Berisha with his shot - the keeper got across well to make a diving catch.
23'
The Azzurri are looking increasingly confident in possession, but are lacking a good final ball. It is all breaking down for them at the moment in the final third, with the Albanian defence standing tall. Cerci has got in behind on a few occasions, but needs to do better with his end product.
21'
WONDERFUL WORK FROM CERCI! The Atletico Madrid winger has made himself a real nuisance along the right, constantly getting in behind the defence. He takes another pass and surges into the area, but his low, driven ball across the face of goal is collected by Berisha just before Giovinco is able to pounce.
19'
STAT ATTACK: Lorik Cana is making his 80th appearance this evening for Albania, moving him ahead of Altin Lala into sole possession of first place as the most capped player in the nation's history.
17'
Marco Parolo has had a shaky start to the match, giving the ball away on a couple of occasions already, while wasting possession with some ambitious balls forward for the strikers to chase. Albania look comfortable letting the hosts pass it around, eager to pounce on a mistake and attack them on the counter.
15'
The Italians have begun to take control of the match as the possession stats start to tilt in their favor. Albania are pressing the ball well, however, in midfield, which has the hosts a bit uncomfortable at the moment, as they focus on keeping the ball as opposed to forcing their way into attack.
13'
FINE SAVE! The first shot on target is registered by Cerci, who makes a smart run into the penalty area, with Aquilani slipping him through on goal. Berisha rushes across to the near post and makes himself big to keep the ball out and push it behind for a corner.
11'
Strong tackle from Leonardo Bonucci, who breaks up a dangerous looking counter attack after Italy give the ball away in midfield. The defender took a chance, lunging in for the tackle, but got it timed perfectly or Albania would have had two men through on goal.
9'
Despite the early efforts from both teams to try and attack, neither defence has been breached. There has been a lack of creativity in the final third, as the teams continue to feel each other out, which has lead to a number of changes in possession so far.
7'
FUN FACT: This friendly is being hosted at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in an effort to buoy the spirits of the citizens of Genoa, after the city was struck by flooding over the weekend. Eight players from Genoa and Sampdoria, both of whom play at the same venue, were called up as a tribute to the fans and local supporters of the two clubs.
5'
Albania look to respond as they break into the final third with real intent. Amir Abrashi lays a pass off for Elseid Hysaj, up from his right-back position, but his cross is dealt with as Italy clear the threat.
3'
Lively start to the match as the teams exchange bursts forward. Cerci streaks along the right, fending off two defenders, but runs the ball out of play as he tries to win a corner. The Atletico Madrid winger comes out a bit worse for wear as he has a large tear in his shirt, exposing half his chest. He makes his way to the sidelines and the trainer tapes it back together for a quick fix.
1'
Albania kick off and we are underway at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris! The visitors, moving right to left, are wearing all white, with Italy sporting their home blue kits.
In a game tainted by fan interference, Italy were given all they could handle on Sunday against a formidable Croatian side, having to settle for a share of the points. Antonio Conte is off to an impressive start in charge, but is still trying to find the right team as he continues to experiment with his selection. There are plenty of new faces in the team today, so we will see who he fancies to get the start!
Albania will look to continue their good form and pick up another big result, to follow up a 1-1 draw in France last week. The Balkan side also managed a shock 1-0 victory over Portugal to kick off their European qualifying campaign, and they currently sit in third place in their group, but a 3-0 defeat to Serbia awarded by UEFA is still under protest. Gianni De Biasi's side will look to finish off 2014 strong this evening and build their confidence ahead of an important string of fixtures that await them in the New Year, as they try to qualify for their first ever major tournament.
Good evening footy fans around the world! We have some exciting friendly action for you this evening, straight from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, as Antonio Conte looks to extend his unbeaten start as Italy boss when they take on Albania. I am Alex Moretto and I will be your in-game host, guiding you through the match LIVE as it happens!
Antonio Conte has made a number of changes to his team, with Sebastian Giovinco and Mattia Destro getting their first starts up top under the new coach. Emiliano Moretti and Andrea Bertolacci will earn their first international cap tonight as they have both been named to the starting XI.
Albania boss Gianni De Biasi has named an unchanged starting XI, following his side's 1-1 draw with France.
With their being a large Albanian population in Italy, the away side is certainly not lacking support. Their fans have arrived in numbers, making for a magnificent atmosphere inside the stadium. The anthems are sung with plenty of gusto from both sets of supporters, and we are just moments away from the start of the match!
HALF TIME: ITALY 0-0 ALBANIA. We sit scoreless at the break, but it certainly is not the result of a lack of chances. The hosts looked to have taken the game over, but the Balkan side found their legs, looking increasingly dangerous on the break. We have seen an excellent display of attacking football - not to mention some great goalkeeping - which should make for an exciting final 45 minutes.
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