In an interview for "Corriere della Sera", Kristjan Asllani praised the Albanian fans to the maximum: "They are crazy, how can you not give your best for them on the field".
For the midfielder, the duel between Albania and Italy is a real "derby" as he says: "I went to the square together with my friends to celebrate the title of champion of Italy in 2021".
You arrived in the province of Buti in Pisa when you were only two years old. The Albania-Italy match is not like the others.
I would be lying if I answered yes. I'm sorry that we are in an iron group, but we want to do well and open a cycle, which can send us to the World Cup.
When you return to Buti, do you manage to lead a normal life?
I haven't changed much, when I go back to that town I do more or less everything I did before. I am very attached to the area where I have many friends of different ages.
Is Italy right to fear Albania's momentum?
Silvinho brought a lot of confidence and a lot of enthusiasm to the group.
Do you remember where you were when Italy won the European Championship?
See you, celebrating with my friends!
Where do you think you are more "Albanian"?
My blood is Albanian, we speak Albanian at home. I keep in touch with my grandparents in Albania, where I have roots.
Do you go to Elbasan?
How many times do I play with Albania? In the afternoons, when I have a break, I go to see my grandparents.
Did your parents tell you how they lived in Albania?
Always. My father told me that he came to Italy in a raft and told me how difficult life was for them. My mother gave birth to me at the age of 18. My brother Leonard and I have no words to thank them for the sacrifices they made. I try to do something.
In which way?
I took them all myself in Milan. At the age of 21 it would be quite difficult for me to live alone. My mother lived in a candy factory, while my father worked in the waterworks. Now their lives have changed.