Sylvinho decides to leave Kosovo’s stars on the bench for the match against Serbia
Express newspaper
07/06/2025 20:15
The Albanian national team coach, Sylvinho, has surprised the sports public with the lineup he has chosen for tonight’s match against Serbia, which will be played at “Air Albania” starting at 20:45 PM.
In a match with extraordinary emotional and historical weight, the Brazilian coach has left important names such as Ardian Ismajli, Mirlind Daku and Ylber Ramadani on the bench, entrusting him with a formation that has aroused many reactions.
Albania’s starting lineup has been announced with this composition:
Strakosha – Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj – Shehu, Asllani – Broja, Laci, Hoxha – Manaj.
On paper, this team may seem balanced, but the omission of some of the national team’s most in-form players has caused discontent among fans and analysts.
The attack, for example, consists of Rey Manaj and Armando Broja – two players who have not been regulars for their clubs. Manaj has not played in Sivasspor’s last two games due to problems with the club, while Broja has not featured in the last five games for Everton. To find his last goal, we have to go back more than a year ago, when he scored against Liechtenstein in the red and black shirt.
In this context, the absence of Mirlind Daku in the lineup seems meaningless. Albania’s most in-form striker has scored four goals in the last four matches and has always shown grit and competitive spirit, especially in emotionally charged matches like this one against Serbia.
Also, the omission of Ardian Ismajli and Ylber Ramadani has raised many questions. Both are Serie A starters, with international experience and strong physiques – elements that Albania would need to withstand the pressure of a strong opponent like Serbia.
However, it seems that Sylvinho has preferred the calmer profile of Arlind Ajeti and Arbër Hoxha, bypassing players known for their fiery and determined play.
In the pre-match press conference, Sylvinho stated that “I know that for some players this is a very emotional match”, but his choices suggest that he preferred calmness over passion on the pitch.
It now remains to be seen whether this formation will be able to withstand the pressure and intensity of Serbia, or whether the coach will be forced to intervene quickly, activating those who were left out today. One thing is certain: this challenge will not only be sporting, but also symbolic for all Albanians./Express newspaper/
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