Albanians Abroad: Kristjan Shpendi Strikes Twice, Asani and Tuci Find the Net

Another positive weekend for Albanian footballers playing in foreign leagues, with several of them becoming protagonists for their clubs. Kristjan Shpendi was undoubtedly one of the standout names of the week, scoring twice in Serie B and climbing to the top of the Italian league’s scoring chart with 5 goals.

The Albanian striker was decisive in Cesena’s 2-2 draw against Cremonese. Shpendi broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a spectacular strike from the edge of the box, lifting the ball over the opposing goalkeeper. In the second half, in the 59th minute, he also scored his second personal goal from the penalty spot. With this brace, Shpendi moves to 5 league goals and tops the Serie B scoring chart.

In Iran, Jasir Asani also found the net and gave Esteghlal the win in the clash against Paykan. The Albanian striker scored from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, sealing his team’s 1-0 success in the seventh week of the championship. This triumph lifted Esteghlal to second place in the standings, with 15 points collected.

Indrit Tuci also scored in the Slovenian league. The Albanian striker scored Olimpija Ljubljana’s third goal in the 3-1 away win against Koper, sealing another success for his team. Also a protagonist in this match was Marvin Cuni, who scored a goal and provided an assist for Olimpija Ljubljana.

The weekend also brought goals from two Albania U-21 internationals. Kevin Dodaj was a protagonist with Lechia Gdańsk in the clash against Legnica, scoring in the 53rd minute after an assist and contributing to the Polish side’s win.

In Italy, Adi Kurti found the net with Audace Cerignola in the deep 4-0 win over Giugliano, in the fourth week of Serie C. Kurti needed only four minutes on the pitch to score. Kurti came on in the 73rd minute and scored in the 77th, thus registering his first goal with his new team’s shirt.

Besides the protagonists who found the net, several other Albanian internationals started as regulars with their clubs during this week. Berat Gjimshiti, Klisman Cake, Bujar Pllana, Stavro Pilo, Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani, Qazim Laçi, Adrion Pajaziti, Arbër Hoxha, Ernest Muçi and Rey Manaj all started as starters.

Meanwhile, Ardian Ismajli, Luis Hasa, Mirlind Daku and Armando Broja were used as substitutes, continuing their engagement in foreign leagues.