Panucci’s side are a work in progress

Scotland open their first ever Nations League campaign against Albania at Hampden tonight. Courier Sport takes a closer look at the opposition.

Form – Alex McLeish’s men are taking a step into the unknown as they face up to Albania for the first time ever, but that is not to say the visitors should be underestimated. Albania’s results so far during 2018 – a narrow loss to Norway before heavier three-goal defeats against Kosovo and Ukraine – may not have the Scots quaking in their boots, but Albania remain a threat having qualified for their first major tournament at Euro 2016. They may have backed up that achievement with a World Cup slot had they not had the misfortune to end up in the same qualifying group as Spain and Italy.

Manager – Christian Panucci racked up stints at eight clubs in four different countries during a glittering career, so it is little wonder the former AC Milan, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Monaco, Roma and Italy defender was prepared to up sticks once again when the opportunity to manage Albania came up. The two-time Champions League winner made the leap into coaching alongside Fabio Capello when he was invited to help his old boss after he took over Russia in the build-up to the 2014 World Cup. Panucci was on the move again following the finals in Brazil, returning to Italy to become manager of Livorno, where he was named Serie B’s rookie boss of the year.

Style – Panucci inherited his position from fellow Italian Gianni De Biasi, who masterminded Albania’s route to France 2016 with a solid defensive system that required utter commitment and toil. The new man in charge has tried to reshape the team into a more forward-thinking outfit but that remains a work in progress.

Players – Albania may not have had much luck of late but they are equipped with their fair share of talent. Among the big names Panucci can count on is Napoli right-back Elseid Hysaj and Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha. New Rangers recruit Eros Grezda is also a member of the squad travelling to Glasgow.