The upcoming Euro 2024 clash between Albania and Italy is expected to be attended by over 50,000 Albanian supporters in Dortmund, making it the largest travelling contingent of any team other than the host nation. The interest in the game in the Balkan country is so immense that Albanian prime minister Edi Rama has even suspended the nation’s parliament for 10 days to allow over 100 ministers and parliamentarians to attend the team’s Group B fixtures against Italy, Croatia, and Spain.
Capacity and Ticket Sales
Despite Signal Iduna Park’s regular capacity of over 81,000 for club fixtures, the venue will have a reduced capacity of 62,000 during Euro 2024. UEFA sources have revealed that a significant number of neutral section tickets for the Group B opener have been purchased by Albanian fans. It is anticipated that many Albanian residents in Germany have secured tickets for their country’s first major tournament appearance since Euro 2016. Additionally, reigning European champions Italy are likely to be supported by fewer than 10,000 fans, as the majority of tickets have been bought by Albania supporters.
Support from Other Nations
Apart from Albania, over 100,000 Scotland supporters are expected to be present in Germany during the tournament. Furthermore, England, the Netherlands, and Poland will also have large numbers of travelling fans cheering for their respective teams. Turkey’s Group F fixtures against Georgia, Portugal, and Czechia are slated to be dominated by Turkish fans, given that Germany is home to over 7 million people of Turkish heritage.
The upcoming Euro 2024 clash between Albania and Italy is generating significant buzz, with Albania fans expected to dominate the stadium in Dortmund. The strong support from Albanian residents in Germany and the suspension of the nation’s parliament to accommodate ministers and parliamentarians underscore the deep passion for the sport in the Balkan country. As the tournament unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic fan support influences the teams’ performances on the field.