Italy vs. Albania: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview

Italy will play host to Albania on Friday evening in the latest leg of their 2018 World Cup qualification bid, where they'll have the opportunity to steal a march on joint-leaders Spain in Group G.

The Azzurri go into Friday's encounter tied on 10 points alongside Spain, but a win over the Eagles at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo could see manager Gian Piero Ventura's side move clear at the summit.

That's provided Spain drop points in their home clash against Israel, although that seems unlikely considering the 2010 World Cup winners are yet to concede a goal in either of their home group-stage clashes thus far.

Italy also enter the fixture looking to extend their unbeaten run of matches to six, while Albania may be happy with a point considering they've lost both of their last two matches without scoring.

Read on for a preview of Friday's 2018 World Cup qualifier, complete with live-stream information and match details.

Date: Friday, March 24

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/3:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.)

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Spain	4	3	1	0	15	1	+14	10
2	Italy	4	3	1	0	11	4	+7	10
3	Israel	4	3	0	1	8	5	+3	9
4	Albania	4	2	0	2	4	6	−2	6
5	Macedonia	4	0	0	4	4	11	−7	0
6	Liechtenstein	4	0	0	4	1	16	−15	0

Ventura's New Dynasty

Although Italy will be treating Friday's showdown with a delicate touch, Ventura's squad selection has suggested the tactician will promote the next generation of stars in his next outing as coach.

Football Italia reported Roberto Gagliardini and Alessio Romagnoli could start in place of doubtful duo Daniele De Rossi and Leonardo Bonucci. BT Sport commentator Adam Summerton provided further context:

Romagnoli and Gagliardini, both 22, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to prospects among Ventura's senior squad, with full-backs Mattia De Sciglio and Davide Zappacosta, both 24, also in contention to start.

While Ventura looks set to revitalise his side at one end of the spectrum, the official European Qualifiers Twitter account confirmed it's quite a different matter between the posts:

Football Italia also reported this Friday's meeting could see Ventura test out a 4-2-4 formation focused more heavily on the wide areas, a tactic that could either hamper them or see Albania struggle to keep pace.

Albania the Aggressors

While recent home defeats to Spain and Israel don't coat Albania in much glory, it's easy to forget that it was less than a year ago this team was competing in the 2016 European Championship.

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Not if you're Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, however, as the Italian frontman spoke to the media and addressed the danger Friday's opponents bring, per Football Italia.

He said: "They got to the European Championships, it won't be a walk in the park. They'll cling on to the result with their teeth and their fingernails, we need to give our all. Anyone who goes on to the pitch will give their best, we'll definitely be willing to suffer from attack to defence."

Albania might have advanced from Group A of last year's Euros, too, if only they had managed to stay level in narrow losses to Switzerland and hosts France, who scored twice in the final seven minutes of their pool clash to claim victory.

What's more, the likes of Albanian players Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Ajeti and Frederic Veseli all play for Serie A clubs, meaning there will be a degree of insider knowledge available to the visitors in Palermo.