Germany (AP) — Italy begins the defense of its European Championship title against Albania on Saturday in their first Group B match. The other teams in the group are Spain and Croatia. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) in Dortmund. Here’s what to know about the match:
Match facts
— Italy is back at a major tournament after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That was a second straight World Cup that the Azzurri missed, though they won Euro 2020 in between.
— Italy first played at Borussia Dortmund’s stadium in 2006 — and it was a classic game in the World Cup. A semifinal match against Germany went to extra time at 0-0 before goals by Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero sealed a 2-0 win.
— Albania is playing in the Euros for the second time. The first occasion was in 2016 and the team failed to get out of its group.
Team news
— Attacking midfielder Davide Frattesi should be available for Italy after returning to training following a minor groin injury. Nicolò Barella and Nicolò Fagioli have both been training separately this week as they recover from muscle issues. Barella is a sure starter if fit, and coach Luciano Spalletti said Friday the midfielder should be ready.
