Albania plays one of the most important matches of this journey, as they face Finland at the "Air Albania" stadium. The Red and Blacks want the 3 points, as the only way to be in the game for the first place in the group in the Nations League.

Coach Armando Cungu, who is also a member of the Albanian Football Association Executive Committee, spoke precisely about this meeting and not only, in the conversation with Trevisa Tufa.

Cungu, an “Air Albania” Sold Out for this match. Is victory a must today against Finland?

I believe so. The claims are for the group leader. I believe Belarus and San Marino will not make a false step. We have the opportunity to win both matches. There is no coach who plays for a draw. The athlete must enter to win that match. We have great motivation, I am convinced that we will achieve it.

Do the statistics worry you? Only 2 wins in 8 games, over 40 years without a win against Finland, what should we do today to break this taboo?

We are superior in every aspect. We did not deserve to lose, until goalkeeper Berisha was sent off. There were two goals conceded but they could have been avoided. In the end we were close to a draw. We were dominant in terms of the game, we expect the same tonight.

Armando, a statement by Ismajli at a press conference caused quite a stir: "The football that Sylvinho applied no longer exists, we are more comfortable with Maran's schemes." How do you evaluate this statement, I'm talking more in terms of sports. Do you agree with this statement by Ismajli?

These are individual statements, I look at them from the outside. Even with Sylvinho we had good matches and some that didn't warm us up. Let's not forget that we went to a European Championship for the second time. We were close to the World Cup. These are situations that athletes express their dissatisfaction. Italian football is known for its defensive play. But Maran likes the attacking game.

Ismajli talks about offensive football, in fact it is the most complete, the best unit we have at the moment, but even against San Marino, we encountered a lot of difficulties in closing the match. Is there something that is wrong, or that we can improve in this aspect?

I think the best department is the defense, along with the midfield. We also have qualities in attack, with Muçi. They are Uzuni in turn, I think a 9 holds the team together but we don't have one. I was hoping for Broja for the qualities he has, but the problems didn't allow him to use his capacities.

If in attack we have endless options, what worries us is the defense, especially the right wing, we only have Hysaj available. We did something wrong at this point. Are we a little late in finding a successor for him?

I think we can play with anyone who can do that role. Even though we have attacking players, they can do that role too. The only way that can create danger for us is set pieces or corner kicks. That's the way these teams play. The rest I don't think can hurt us.

The challenge against Finland is also vital because they close the group stage with a trip to Belarus. How do you feel, how many points will we get from these two challenges?

I think we have the opportunity to win both games. Football doesn't always give you the right. I believe that football has its surprises. I am hopeful that we will be winners in both games.

I often ask this as a question, but as an Executive Committee Member. Would it be a disappointment if we didn't close this group in first place?

This is my personal opinion, a person who has played all his life. I believe I have the knowledge. I have to say that we all expect to be the leader of the group.

And one last question. Should the Nations League be in function of “Euro2028”. Is Albania ready for the European qualifiers?

Everything can evolve. The Nations League serves the coach in particular. I believe it started very early to get to know the team, to understand where our limits are.