The Albanian football team “Taulants” has been promoted to Umbria’s First Division.

The team takes its name from the ancient Illyrian clan ‘Taulantii’, a historic presence on the Adriatic coast.

Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared a RAI Sport feature from ‘Domenica Sportiva’ that reported on the team’s success.

Founded in 2012, “Taulants” began in amateur leagues as an integration project for young people of Albanian origin. All its players are of Albanian heritage.

The team’s rise is a first for an Albanian side in official Italian championships.

Each match has drawn large crowds. Fans wave red flags with the double-headed eagle, sing in Albanian, and wear traditional dress, turning the stands into a display of national pride.

/a.p./