San Marino’s national team surprised everyone by finishing ahead of Gibraltar and Liechtenstein to escape League D in the previous Nations League campaign. On the other hand, they lost every match in last year’s qualifying campaign. In their friendly matches, they managed only a draw against Andorra, along with three defeats. At the start of this tournament, they lost to Finland — and lost heavily, 0-7!
Albania played at the last European Championship. They also finished second in their World Cup qualifying group, but immediately lost 1-2 to Poland in the March playoff. They then played exclusively friendly matches, losing to Ukraine, Israel and Luxembourg. In the opening round, they recorded a solid 2-0 win over Belarus, scoring both goals before the break.
The perennial underdogs score just 0.5 goals per game away from home while conceding as many as 3.8. Silvinho’s men have an even balance: one goal scored and 0.9 goals conceded per game.
Previous matches: San Marino – Albania
The current visitors won all four previous head-to-head encounters.
Perhaps the result of the opening round will not be repeated. However, the underdogs should suffer another heavy defeat — we are backing the visitors with a “-2.5 goals” handicap (odds – 1.6).
San Marino – Albania: key statistics and trends
San Marino have lost only once since the beginning of last calendar year
Both teams have scored in 50% of San Marino’s matches, with an average total of 4.3 goals per game
Albania recorded their first win in six matches
Both teams have scored in 20% of Albania’s matches, with an average total of 1.9 goals per game
San Marino – Albania: possible starting lineups
San Marino play in a 1-5-4-1 formation (possible lineup): Colombo – Fabbri, Cevoli, Pasolini, Tosi – Meloni, Capicchioni, Pancotti – Giacopetti, Zonni – Nanni. Golinucci was sent off in the previous round
Albania play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Berisha – Hysaj, Ismajli, Djimsiti, Pëllumb – Seferi, Asllani, Ramadani – Muçi, Manaj, Hoxha
