Albania U-19 ended the second friendly against Italy in a 1-1 draw, played today at the “Novarello Sporting Center.”

Mateo Dashi scored the equalizer for the red and blacks, coached by Julian Ahmataj, in the second half.

Ahmataj started the match with this line-up: Culi (GK), Avdullari, Gecaj, Sylejmani, Sina, Huqi, Shpuza, B. Krasniqi, Arifi (C), Malaj, L. Krasniqi.

Italy opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a goal from Andrea Orlani. During the first half, Albania made three substitutions—two due to injuries. Arifi and Gecaj were forced off with muscle strains and were replaced by El Malem and Dashi. Krasniqi also came on. The first half ended 1-0 in Italy’s favor.

In the second half, Albania responded. Mateo Dashi found the net in the 60th minute to level the score. Coach Ahmataj made two more substitutions later, bringing on Lataj and Gashi in place of Leart Krasniqi and Diart Gashi.

The result remained unchanged, and the match ended 1-1.

This was the second friendly between Albania U-19 and Italy. The first encounter had ended in a 4-1 win for the Italians. These matches serve as preparation for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers. The Albanian staff used the opportunity to test almost the entire squad over both matches.

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