Albania's qualification for EURO 2024 attracts the attention of the international media

Albania's qualification for EURO 2024 has attracted the attention of many media, not only local, but also international, which have not hesitated to not only convey the news about the second participation in history for our national team in a European championship, but have stopped also in their entire journey, and focusing on specific individuals, given that many of the red and black players play in foreign football championships, especially in Italy.

And this seems to have awakened the interest of the media of the neighboring country, where recently the prestigious sports "Sport Italia" was , which this time dedicated an article to Sylvinho's trustees. Through the head of the AFL, Armando Duka, they have revealed the objective they have in Germany 2024.

Albania's journey in these qualifiers has been very exciting. How satisfied are you?

I am very happy that we managed to secure first place in the group and position ourselves in the second pot, but not only for what we have done in recent years. The Albanian national team has broken all records in this qualifying campaign for the European Championship. In a group of 5 teams, we are ranked first with 15 points, leaving the Czech Republic behind, while Poland, which was also a very strong contender, was left out of the European finals. As well as Moldova who fought very hard until the last moment. This was, let's say, the first stage of our work, while another stage, even more important than the first, continues.

What are the future objectives?

If in 2016, when Albania qualified for the first time, we did not go very far, let's say, being eliminated in the group stage, we now have all the opportunities to do even better than the first time. We have learned some things and will do some things better in this second experience

How far can Albania go in Europe?

It's hard to imagine how far we can go. Everything also depends on the draw on December 2, which teams we will have in the group. Of course we will fight against any rival that this draw will offer us. Our objective is to stay as long as possible in Germany.

There are many Albanians in Italy: how much has the Albanian National Team grown thanks to this?

Yes, it is true in fact that many Albanian players play in Italy, over 10 thousand Albanian footballers who play at all levels of the Italian championship, from U-7 to Serie A. It is the fruit of a wonderful job done from our Scouting Department, finding these elements not only in Italy but all over the world. Only in the national team A, during this campaign, 11 footballers were called up and in most of the matches, 6-7 of them were in the starting line-up.

Titles and decisive...

Of course, they are key players of the team, they have helped the team immensely to move forward and get these results. They are quality players, I would consider them 'stars' without the slightest doubt, who play in big teams, such as Asllani at Inter, Gjimshiti at Atalanta, Hysaj at Lazio, Bajrami at Sassuolo, Ramadani at Leçe, Berisha and Ismajli to Empoli. We are lucky to have them as part of our team, as well as other footballers who play in other championships. Because our strength is actually the group and not the individual. But I would not like to stop only at the A team, because in fact we have many other Albanian players who are currently playing with the U-21 national team and the age chain teams, who of course expect to play with the team one day A. And I mention here Medon Berisha, who plays with Ramadan in Leçe and who leaves a positive impression every time he plays with the team, but also the Shpendi brothers, one at Empoli with Ismajli Berisha and the other at Cesena. Your championship is actually full of Albanian stars. (laughs)

Have you spoken to Kumbulla during this time that he is recovering?

Marashi is one of the most important players in our team. A special player, with exceptional quality, is not for nothing also a part of Rome. Above all, he is an exceptional, kind and disciplined guy. Unfortunately, due to an injury, he has been forced to stay out of the field of play, while he is now in the recovery phase, and I wish to see him on the field with Roma and the National Team as soon as possible. Of course we welcome, not only Kumbulla, but every player who is part of the Albanian National Team. The national team is open to anyone. Coach Silvinjo and the staff are in constant communication with every footballer who is part of the National Team.

Did you tell him that you are waiting for him in the national team?

Of course we welcome, not only Kumbulla, but every player who is part of the Albanian National Team. Personally, I am in constant communication with him to encourage his return to the field

Asllani plays very well in the national team as a starter...

Kristjan is our jewel, we are lucky to have him; is a player with tremendous potential. I am not at all surprised by the way he was introduced to the National Team, he has great qualities as a player to reach the top. He is a player with high technical skills, has a strong character and the right determination. Especially this season has improved a lot. He is a real talent, Inter is lucky to have him as part of the team. Of course I would like Kristjana to play more minutes with Inter and I think it is already his time at Inter. He deserves to have more minutes under his feet, with the characteristics he has as a player. If he can leave Inter or not, this is decided by Kristjan himself.

Would you advise him to go on loan to another team, or do you think he is still growing at Inter?

Of course I would like Kristjana to play more minutes with Inter and I think it is already his time at Inter. He deserves to have more minutes under his feet, with the characteristics he has as a player. Until a few months ago I thought it was better for him to leave Inter to have more space, but now seeing his growth I think he should continue and improve there. And very soon he will be an important player for Inter as he is for the national team".

Ramadani is another emerging talent...

Ramadan has surprised us all at the beginning of the season. But not me, who knew very well his qualities as a player. His values ​​are indisputable and he is showing this not only with Leče, but also in the Albanian National Team. He is a football player who works very hard and always gives his best on the field.

He said he wants to go to Inter. What do you think?

Personally, knowing his qualities and ambitions as a player, I think he is ready for any club in the world. It would also be a great pride for us to see two Albanians playing in the ranks of a big and historic club like Inter.

Marvin Cuni immediately appeared at Frosinone with a back-heel goal: do you think he is destined for a big team in the future, having grown up at Bayern Munich?

Marvin is the striker of the future, a footballer who has grown up in one of the best football academies in the world such as Bayern Munich. He is getting his minutes at Frosinone and is doing quite well. I think that for the moment he should focus on the current team and grow as a player and I am convinced that in the future he will explode. I wish that everything goes well and that he climbs the career ladder very quickly. Sylvinho is the one who decides who to call to the team, but for me, Çuni is ready and can help the National Team a lot in Euro 2024". (A2 Televizion)