San Marino - Albania

Can San Marino find a defensive foothold when they welcome Albania to Stadio Olimpico San Marino on 29 September 2026 for this matchday 2 encounter? The hosts face a significant challenge following a heavy defeat to Finland, with Alessandro Golinucci missing due to suspension. The expected XI, led by goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo and forwards Nicola Nanni and Nicolas Giacopetti, will need to show greater resilience against a visiting side that brings significant momentum. Albania arrive following a solid 2-0 victory over Belarus and will look to control the tempo through a midfield anchored by Kristjan Asllani and Ylber Ramadani.

Albania are expected to lean on the experience of Berat Djimsiti and Elseid Hysaj at the back, even with Qazim Laci sidelined through injury. Their recent history against these opponents, including a 5-0 win in September 2021, suggests they possess the attacking depth to break down stubborn blocks. For San Marino, the focus will be on tightening the gaps that were exploited in their previous outing, as they aim to disrupt Albania’s structured approach in this UEFA Nations League C Group 1 fixture.