Pre-Euro dress rehearsal: Can the Czech Republic make up for the debacle with Italy?

On Tuesday, 8 June, our national team will play a home match against Albania. This is the last match before the European Championship is fast approaching. Can the Czech Republic make up for the debacle with Italy?

The last match before the European Championship and very important in many factors. After the recent loss to Italy, our footballers need to repair their reputation and boost their confidence.

” I admit that it was on my mind. Of course it’s a big slap in the face. It’s probably better to get such a slap now than at the championship itself. We have to get over it, learn from it and move on. And think about the next game against Albania and then the championship itself.”

Ondřej Čelůstka and Tomáš Kalas will be at Šilhavy’s disposal, as well as Adam Hložek, who should definitely be involved in the match. Tomáš Holeš, who did not play against Italy for precautionary reasons, is also fine.

“Adam is training normally with the team. If nothing happens, that he gets worse or he comes to us that he can’t play, he should be ready for the match,” added Šilhavý.

The Sparta Prague stopper played only one half against the Italians, then had to be substituted due to knee problems. In any case, the medical examination did not show anything serious, so Čelůstka will not miss the European Championship or the dress rehearsal with Albania.

“Of course we are very happy that they are both healthy and can start. It’s always better when everyone is available. We are happy that they are staying in the team,” added Czech defender Jan Bořil on this great news.

Coach Šilhavy’s charges desperately need to win and bring some peace of mind to their kicking game. In the group of the European Championship our footballers will face three unpleasant opponents – Croatia, Scotland and last but not least England.

Edoardo Reja, the coach of the Albanian team, says he is aware of the quality of Šilhavy’s selection. They have qualified for the European Championships, which in itself shows the quality of the team. It is a great test for us.”

However, as far as the last two European Championship dress rehearsals are concerned, the Czech Republic lost each time. Before the Euro in 2012, our team lost 1:2 against Hungary and in 2016 also 1:2, this time against South Korea.

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