Albania kick off Nations League campaign with 2-0 win over Belarus

Albania began Rolando Marani’s competitive adventure on the red-and-black bench with a win, defeating Belarus 2-0 in the Italian coach’s first points-bearing match, valid for the first round of the Nations League.

After two defeats in the friendlies at the start of his tenure, Marani finally tasted his first three points, on an evening when Albania showed efficiency at decisive moments and kept a clean sheet.

The party at “Air Albania” began in the 34th minute, when Kristjan Asllani was flawless from the spot. The midfielder converted the penalty won earlier by Berat Gjimshiti, giving Albania the lead.

A goal that came at the right moment for the red-and-blacks, who had suffered for several matches from a lack of finishing.

As the first half drew to a close, Ernest Muçi put his own stamp on the win. After a fine assist from Elseid Hysaj, the striker sent the ball into the net and doubled the red-and-black lead.

A goal of weight also for Muçi himself, who made the most of the opportunity given by Marani.

In the second half, Albania chased a third goal and had several good chances to kill the game off, but the red-and-blacks failed to convert their opportunities.

The red-and-blacks’ next match will be on Tuesday, September 29, away to San Marino.