The Azzurri’s debut at the European Football Championships 2024 will see theItaly reigning champion face theAlbaniathis evening at 9pm, in Dortmund, in a match that will also be deeply felt in Valle d’Aosta. Our region, in fact, is characterized by a heterogeneous demographic composition and a significant presence of the Albanian community.
A diverse and growing community
According to data updated at the beginning of 2023, the foreign population resident in Valle d’Aosta amounts to 8,382 units, equal to 6.8% of the total regional population. Among these, the8.5% comes from Albania, which he represents the third largest foreign community after Romania (27.2%) and Morocco (18.2%). Specifically, the Albanian population in Valle d’Aosta, as of 1 January 2023, counts 714 residents, with an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year. The community is well represented in both urban and rural areas, with a significant presence in Aosta (291 residents), Saint-Pierre (56) and Valtournenche (40), and an almost equal distribution between men (383) and women (331) . This figure reflects constant integration and a significant contribution to the social and economic life of the region.
The challenge therefore takes on a particular meaning in Valle d’Aosta, where cultural integration is an everyday reality. For the resident Albanian community, this match represents an opportunity to demonstrate pride in their roots, while for Italian fans it will be an opportunity to support their national team in the competition won in 2021.
Italy-Albania, only 4 previous matches: the Azzurri have always won
Over the years, the two teams have met on only four occasions, from which the national team has always emerged victorious. However, this is the first match valid for a final phase of an international competition.
- Genoa, 18 November 2014: Italy-Albania 1-0 (friendly)
- Palermo, 24 March 2017: Italy-Albania 2-0 (2018 World Cup qualification)
- Shkodra, 9 October 2017: Albania-Italy 0-1 (2018 World Cup qualification)
- Tirana, 16 November 2022: Albania-Italy 1-3 (friendly)
