The injury that sidelined midfielder Hakan Çalhanoglu for Inter’s last three games had worried black and white fans. However, his suspension had a positive side: Kristjan Asllani, called in to replace him, had the opportunity to start in some crucial matches (against Lecce, Atalanta, and Genoa), delivering very positive performances and even scoring his first goal in Serie A for the team last Monday.

The president of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, gave an interview to the Italian media “SPORTITALIA” where he talked about the Albanian star of Inter, as well as the return to the field after the long injury of Marash Kumbulla and Gasperini’s favorite player at Atalanta, Berat Gjimshiti.

– Asllani’s recent performances and his goal-scoring form have been impressive, putting him in contention with players like Çalhanoglu. Is he proving to be the right player for Inter?

First of all, I want to say that I was very happy for Asllani’s first goal in Serie A with Inter. He has worked hard to get here, and I think he fully deserves this beautiful moment he is having. It’s even more impressive considering he is competing with players of Çalhanoglu’s caliber in Inter’s midfield, among other stars.

– Can Asllani become a great midfielder like those he plays with at Inter?

I have said it in the past and I repeat it: Kristjan is still young, he has tremendous potential, high technical skills, and the right qualities to become a great player. The fact that he is now shining with Inter clearly proves that he is a great talent. Constantly watching his growth, I was convinced that the moment he saw that he would be given the opportunity to show his values at Inter, he would make the most of it, and that’s what happened.

– What is his next target now?

Now I hope that he will continue with this pace and play as much as possible, continue his growth, and of course, be in shape for the finals of Euro “Germany 2024”. I have one piece of advice for him: let him enjoy this moment, but stay humble, with his feet on the ground, and work even harder to improve in every aspect.

– In the current context of Inter’s midfield, do you still see Asllani growing?

Kristjan has a great hunger and determination to reach the top. Transferring at a young age to a big club like Inter had a lot of risks, but he has managed to maintain the right balance.

– And how did he do in your opinion?

The persistence to stay at Inter, where the competition especially in the midfield is very big and when everyone thought that he should be transferred to another team to gain more playing minutes, confirmed the belief and faith he had in his abilities. He has shown great patience and prudence, working hard, not getting demoralized and waiting for chances to play. He already has the right maturity to play regularly with Inter and with his recent appearances he has put coach Inzaghi “under pressure”. Undoubtedly, Asllani enjoys good form and deserves more minutes. Not for nothing have I compared him to a football star…

– Who are you referring to?

I am talking about Luka Modric: I am convinced that Asllani will become a great player. His primary objective is to become a starter at Inter, and I think he is on the right track.

– At Atalanta, almost everyone undergoes the process of rotation between the field and the bench, but it happens very rarely to Gjimshiti. What do you think about it?

Berat Gjimshiti is the captain of the Albanian National Team, and he fully deserved the armband for his contributions on the field with the red and black jersey. He is a great guy and a world-class footballer who has the characteristics of a true leader on the pitch.”

I am not at all surprised by his positive performance and the fact that he is the undisputed starter at Atalanta. Even with the National Team, he is one of the main pillars of the team. He deserves everything because he is a complete footballer and has worked hard to get here.

His growth in recent seasons has been gradual, steady, and significant. He manages to deliver a consistently positive performance in every match, both with the club and with the Albanian National Team. Something rare for a professional footballer. I really wish he continues to play at high levels for as long as possible.

– Did you talk to Kumbulla after his return to the field? Will he be ready for the Euro 2024 finals?

I am glad that he is back on the field after that serious injury he suffered last year. It was sad, and as soon as I got the news, I wished him a speedy recovery. He is one of the promising youngsters of the Albanian National Team and an important footballer for us. I believe he made the right decision to move to Sassuolo, where he can get more playing minutes. Kumbulla is an ambitious boy, and I am convinced that he will work hard to regain his previous form and be ready for the finals of Euro 2024. He has enough time to recover the time lost due to injury and to prepare as much as possible. We can’t wait to have him back in the National Team to make his contribution with the red and black jersey.

– In the Euro 2024 finals, Albania is in a group with Italy, Croatia, and Spain. Can they surprise everyone?

First of all, Albania should enjoy this participation in the Euro 2024 finals to the maximum. The players and the technical staff have done a great job in the qualifying campaign and fully deserved this success. It will be a tough group with strong opponents, but in football, anything is possible. Albania has shown in the past that they can compete with the best, so I believe they can surprise everyone if they play to their full potential and with the right mentality.

That being said, we are going to Euro 2024 to do our best and challenge any opponent, despite facing big names in world football. If you reach the finals of a big tournament, it is normal to face the strongest teams.

– How do you rate Albania’s chances in this group?

The draw has placed us against former World and European champions, Italy and Spain, as well as Croatia, another big name. It is pointless to talk about the strength of these opponents; their history clearly proves who they are.

But I believe that we have a good team, with a lot of quality and opportunities to try to advance from the group. In football, surprises are common now, and it would not be a surprise if Albania progresses. I hope all the players will be available, in good shape, and without injuries.

One thing is for sure: the players will be highly motivated to do well in this tournament. We will also have the unwavering support of our fantastic fans, who will fill the stadiums in red and black colors and motivate the National Team on the field, just as they did in Euro 2016.

/m.ll/